Massive subcutaneous emphysema, pneumomediastinum, and pneumopericardium in children.

Massive subcutaneous emphysema (SE), pneumomediastinum (PM), and pneumopericardium (PP) are rare conditions in the pediatric population. Air leak syndrome is a constellation of disorders that include SE, PM, PP, and pulmonary interstitial emphysema. In children, SE, PM, and PP are associated with obstructive airway disease most often in the case of asthma. Management may be conservative or involve invasive procedures that require surgical intervention. Here, we describe a case of massive SE, PM, and PP in a 10-year-old child after placement of a peripherally inserted central line and review the literature.