Pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema post cocaine and amphetamine insufflation

Abstract

A 20-year-old gentleman presented with blood-streaked vomitus after insufflation of an unknown amount of powder cocaine and amphetamine. This was taken with an unspecified amount of alcohol. Other notable symptoms were dysphagia, chest pain, palpitations and the patient reported a ‘crunchy’ sensation in his chest. A chest x-ray revealed pneumomediastinum and a computerised tomography (CT) trauma confirmed these findings with associated subcutaneous emphysema without an identifiable cause. Follow up investigations included a barium swallow and gastroscopy which showed no obvious perforation but mild gastritis and duodenitis. He was managed conservatively with proton pump inhibitor cover and his symptoms resolved.