Pneumomediastinum in COVID-19 disease: Clinical review with emphasis on emergency management.

Pneumomediastinum can be primary (spontaneous) or secondary to iatrogenic, traumatic, and non-traumatic causes. The incidence of spontaneous and secondary pneumomediastinum is higher in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) compared to the general population. So, pneumomediastinum should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any patient with COVID-19 presenting with chest pain and breathlessness.

Cardiac tamponade due to right atrial rupture.

Cardiac tamponade is a cardiac emergency that requires urgent intervention. Cardiac tamponade due to penetrating cardiac injury requires urgent thoracotomy. As per the guidelines, pericardiocentesis can be done as a bridge to thoracotomy.