A case of subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinitis secondary to tonsillectomy by nose-blowing

Abstract

Subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinitis are rarely reported as complications of tonsillectomy. A 43-year-old woman with a history of sterno-costo-clavicular hyperostosis and palmoplantar pustulosis underwent bi-lateral tonsillectomy. Subsequently, the patient blew her nose many times because of nasal discharge, and then complained of difficulty breathing. Computed tomography revealed subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinitis. After we advised her to stop blowing her nose, the symptoms improved, so we suspect that it had indeed been caused by the nose-blowing.