Hasan Emre YILDIRIM, Hasan Ekrem ÇAMAŞ, Süleyman Emre AKIN, Rasih YAZKAN
Addicta The Turkish Journal On Addictions - 2026;13(3):434-437
Spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM) is a rare condition characterized by the leakage of air into the mediastinum without trauma, surgery, or iatrogenic causes. In this case, a 25-year-old male patient with no systemic disease presented with sudden onset of dyspnea and neck pain while skiing. Physical examination revealed subcutaneous emphysema, and thoracic computed tomography (CT) demonstrated mediastinal air collection, leading to the diagnosis of SPM. The patient was managed conservatively with oxygen and analgesic therapy, and his clinical condition remained stable. The medical history revealed that the patient was a chronic cannabis user and had consumed cannabis prior to the onset of symptoms. Based on these findings, the case was evaluated as cannabis-induced SPM. Cannabis use may increase intrathoracic pressure and cause alveolar rupture via the Macklin effect. Management of SPM is generally conservative; however, it is important to exclude serious underlying causes. This case highlights cannabis use as a potential risk factor for SPM and emphasizes the need to carefully assess it during differential diagnosis.
