Keywords
spontaneous pneumomediastinum, cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, subcutaneous emphysema, adolescent vomiting, cannabis complications, emergency department management, esophageal perforation mimic, CHS
Date of Presentation
5-1-2025 12:00 AM
Poster Abstract
Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is a condition characterized by cyclic episodes of severe nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain in individuals with chronic cannabis use. Despite its increasing recognition, CHS remains underdiagnosed, particularly in adolescents, and can be associated with a range of complications, some of which are potentially life-threatening. One such complication is spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM), a rare but serious condition where air accumulates in the mediastinum without any clear traumatic cause. Although SPM is typically benign, it can present with significant respiratory distress and requires prompt identification and management. Here we present the case of an 18-year-old patient with spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM) secondary to cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS). This case highlights the uncommon but critical association between CHS and SPM, emphasizing the importance of considering CHS in young patients with chronic cannabis use and understanding the potential for serious complications in these cases.
Disciplines
Diagnosis | Emergency Medicine | Medicine and Health Sciences | Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms | Respiratory Tract Diseases | Substance Abuse and Addiction
Included in
Diagnosis Commons, Emergency Medicine Commons, Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Commons, Respiratory Tract Diseases Commons, Substance Abuse and Addiction Commons
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome Induced Pneumomediastinum in an Adolescent
Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is a condition characterized by cyclic episodes of severe nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain in individuals with chronic cannabis use. Despite its increasing recognition, CHS remains underdiagnosed, particularly in adolescents, and can be associated with a range of complications, some of which are potentially life-threatening. One such complication is spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM), a rare but serious condition where air accumulates in the mediastinum without any clear traumatic cause. Although SPM is typically benign, it can present with significant respiratory distress and requires prompt identification and management. Here we present the case of an 18-year-old patient with spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM) secondary to cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS). This case highlights the uncommon but critical association between CHS and SPM, emphasizing the importance of considering CHS in young patients with chronic cannabis use and understanding the potential for serious complications in these cases.
