Post-measles pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema in malnourished children

Abstract

One hundred and seventy-two children with complicated measles were studied clinically andeadiologically for the presence of post-measles pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema Eleven cases (6.4%) were found to have this complication. Protein energy malnutrition was an association in 81.8% of these patients. The condition was severe and fatal in one patient, while emergency tracheostomy was needed in another patient who had upper air way obstruction due to gross subcutaneous emphysema. We suggest close observation and early intervention in patients with severe and rapidly progressive subcutaneous emphysema, pneumomediastinum, air block and whenever there is a jeopardy to the cardiovascular system.