To discuss a case of spontaneous pneumomediastinum with pneumothorax with subcutaneous emphysema presenting with stridor due to laryngeal edema with relevant review of literature.

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is a rare condition that has been described in healthy individuals following Valsalva manoeuvre, excessive and prolonged cough or emesis. Laryngeal involvement in these cases has not been reported so far.

We present an interesting case of spontaneous pneumomediastinum with pneumothorax with pneumopericardium and cervicofacial emphysema with suspected ingestion of foreign body. In view of stridor due to laryngeal edema tracheostomy was done. No obvious cause for the air leak was found on further investigations. The foreign body sensation could have led to oral provocative manoeuvres by the patient causing increased intra-alveolar pressures and air leak.

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum with cervicofacial emphysema with pneumopericardium with laryngeal involvement is very rare. Tracheostomy is essential in case of airway compromise. A thorough evaluation for the underlying condition is essential to prevent further air leak.

In a case of spontaneous pneumomediastinum with airway compromise due to involvement of the larynx, tracheostomy is essential to secure the airway and could also help in resolution of emphysema.

Pratibha CB, Satish D, Gopal S, Balasubramanya AM. An Interesting Case of Spontaneous Pneumomediastinum with Subcutaneous Emphysema following Oral Provocative Manoeuvre. Int J Otorhinolaryngol Clin 2015;7(2):93-96.