S. Zethof, C. Borstlap, M. Vroomans and M. Groenendijk (2023). Pneumomediastinum complicating diabetic ketoacidosis. BMJ case reports, 16(5). https://doi.org/10.1136/bcr-2023-255018

PubMed 37137549

[Abstract]
Pneumomediastinum is an uncommon finding in patients with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and may occur spontaneously or secondary to an effort rupture of the oesophagus. Excluding oesophageal rupture is important, as delaying treatment increases the risk of mortality. We discuss a case of DKA complicated by vomiting, pneumomediastinum, pneumopericardium and air in the epidural space. Instead of fluoroscopic oesophagography, chest CT was used to investigate oesophageal rupture. We present an overview of case reports and retrospective studies illustrating the utility of chest CT in the investigation of oesophageal rupture over fluoroscopic oesophagography.