Hamman Syndrome in Women: About a case observed from Yalgado Ouédraogo University Hospital (Burkina Faso)

Introduction Hamman syndrome corresponds to spontaneous pneumomediastinum associated with subcutaneous emphysema. It is a rare condition, often underdiagnosed in our setting due to the nonspecific nature of its symptoms, particularly in the obstetric setting. Case report We report a case of Hamman syndrome in a patient managed in the pneumology department of Yalgado Ouédraogo University Hospital. The patient was a 19-year-old woman, on day 11 after cesarean section, admitted for grade IV dyspnea on the mMRC scale, with oxygen desaturation to 85% on room air, no signs of respiratory distress, and cervicothoracic subcutaneous emphysema. Thoracic CT angiography showed pneumomediastinum associated with alveolar syndrome. Management combined oxygen therapy, nefopam, and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, with a favorable outcome. Conclusion Hamman syndrome is a rare condition. Clinically, it should be considered in any case of acute dyspnea and/or acute chest pain associated with subcutaneous emphysema. Contrast-enhanced chest CT is the reference examination for confirming the diagnosis and should be performed early to avoid unnecessary invasive investigations. Management is most often symptomatic, with a favorable outcome.