Intrapartum spontaneous pneumomediastinum: recognizing and treating a rare entity

A 20-year-old nulliparous woman presented to our obstetric unit in spontaneous labour at 39+1 weeks gestation following an uncomplicated pregnancy. After a short she progressed vaginal delivery of live male infant. Immediately after experienced retrosternal chest pain, facial swelling and dyspnoea. On examination her was clear auscultation, but extensive subcutaneous emphysema noted over the chest, neck face. She remained diagnostic dilemma until plain radiograph revealed large volume pneumomediastinum CT barium swallow excluded oesophageal perforation leading diagnosis Hamman’s syndrome. responded well supportive cares discharged home on day three postpartum. Spontaneous or Hamman's syndrome has been rarely reported literature as complication labour. Although it runs benign course often masquerades more lethal conditions clinicians should have good understanding its management ensure outcomes.