Pneumomediastinum, pneumorrhachis, and subcutaneous emphysema in Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia in AIDS

Pneumomediastinum, the presence of free air within the mediastinal cavity, is sometimes accompanied by subcutaneous emphysema and pneumorrhachis (air within the spinal canal). We report the case of a 28-year-old man with previously undiagnosed HIV who was diagnosed with extensive pneumomediastinum, pneumorrhachis, and subcutaneous emphysema secondary to Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia after presenting with chest pain, dyspnea, and central cyanosis. Surgical consultation was requested, but a conservative approach of observation proved sufficient as the free air was resorbed into the surrounding tissues.