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Published in: International Journal of Emergency Medicine 4/2010

Open Access 01-12-2010 | Case Report

Pneumomediastinum from nasal insufflation of cocaine

Authors: Brian T. Kloss, Claire E. Broton, Elliot Rodriguez

Published in: International Journal of Emergency Medicine | Issue 4/2010

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Abstract

Chest pain is a common presenting symptom of cocaine users to the emergency department that requires a thorough work up. Pneumomediastinum is an uncommon complication of cocaine abuse that occurs more commonly when cocaine is smoked, but can also occur when cocaine is nasally insufflated. Our case report presents a patient with pneumomediastinum secondary to cocaine insufflation and reviews the necessary diagnostic tests that must be performed to rule out secondary pneumomediastinum, a severe life-threatening condition. Our case is unique, as it is one of a few reported cases of pneumomediastinum occurring after the use of intranasal cocaine.
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Metadata
Title
Pneumomediastinum from nasal insufflation of cocaine
Authors
Brian T. Kloss
Claire E. Broton
Elliot Rodriguez
Publication date
01-12-2010
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
International Journal of Emergency Medicine / Issue 4/2010
Print ISSN: 1865-1372
Electronic ISSN: 1865-1380
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12245-010-0205-9

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