Working Diagnosis:
Pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema, most likely resulting from a tracheal perforation that had subsequently healed.
Treatment:
No Treatment was needed.
Outcome:
No surgery was required. The tracheal perforation resolved without intervention. The patient was discharged with monitoring by family and trainer for any worsening. He was also given pneumothorax precautions. The fighter returned to Mixed Martial Arts after a 90-day hold and is still competing at an advanced amateur level.
References:
1) Szmygin-Milanowska et al. Pneumomediastinum - a case report. Polski Merkuriusz Lekarski. 2016 Aug;41(242):93-6. PMID: 27591447.
2) Kayar Y. et. Al. Spontaneous pneumomediastinum following pneumonia in a 23-year-old male patient. Monaldi Archive for Chest Disease. 2016 Oct 14;83(1-2):769. PMID: 27748464.
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