Pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema: complication of cocaine use.

Pneumomediastinum is more frequent in young men and usually presents in association with subcutaneous emphysema. It can occur in case of oesophageal or chest trauma, be iatrogenic or develop spontaneously, in case of emesis, coughing or forceful straining. Use of illicit drugs, such as cocaine, has been associated with multiple respiratory complications, including pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema. The pathogenesis of subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum after cocaine inhalation is not completely known, but it is thought that the physical manoeuvers used to increase its absorption and effect may lead to alveolar rupture, resulting in air escaping into the mediastinum and fascial planes of the neck and chest. Chest X-ray is usually diagnostic, but CT can be used as complementary study, allowing evaluation of adjacent structures. A case of pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema after cocaine inhalation in an otherwise healthy man is presented.