[A case of respiratory distress syndrome complicated by the development of interstitial emphysema and pneumomediastinum].

A 15-year-old patient has been admitted to the intensive care unit for severe respiratory distress syndrome that developed as a result of pneumonia. Interstitial lung edema was confirmed by computer-aided tomography. It was successfully treated by positive pressure ventilation (PPV). Although PEEP did not exceed 7 cm H2O, PPV was complicated by interstitial emphysema, pneumomediastinum, and bilateral pneumothorax as a result of barotrauma. Pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) were monitored. High PCWP values were inconsistent with the diagnosis of acute respiratory distress syndrome. The authors suggest that high PCWP was caused by high intraalveolar pressure, pneumomediastinum, and venule constriction in the hypoxic sites of the lung.