%0 Journal Article %A Rajan Pooni %A Gargi Pandey %A Saniath Akbar %T Broadening the differential: pneumomediastinum and COVID-19 infection %D 2020 %R 10.1136/bcr-2020-237938 %J BMJ Case Reports %P e237938 %V 13 %N 8 %X The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has emerged as a new pathogen responsible for an atypical viral pneumonia, with severe cases progressing to an acute respiratory distress syndrome. In our practice, we have observed patients admitted with COVID-19 pneumonia developing worsening hypoxaemic respiratory failure prompting the need for urgent endotracheal intubation. Here, we present a case of a patient admitted with severe COVID-19 pneumonia who required continuous positive airway pressure support following acute deterioration. However, with the patient requiring an increasing fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2), a prompt CT pulmonary angiogram scan was performed to exclude an acute pulmonary embolism. Surprisingly, this revealed a pneumomediastinum. Following a brief admission to the intensive care unit, the patient made a full recovery and was discharged 18 days post admission. %U https://casereports.bmj.com/content/bmjcr/13/8/e237938.full.pdf