Early discharge and international air transport of a traveler with exacerbating comorbidities and pneumomediastinum: a case report.

Background: Air transport for medically complex patients presents unique challenges, particularly without specific guidelines for conditions such as pneumomediastinum or medical devices like peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC lines). Although organizations such as the Aerospace Medical Association (AsMA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) provide general recommendations for medical air travel, these guidelines often lack the precision required to address such complex clinical scenarios. Consequently, healthcare teams frequently face difficult decisions under constraints of time and resources, navigating the interplay of patient safety, autonomy, and logistical considerations.