IMPORTANT: We currently have a number of bugs related to image cropping and are actively trying to resolve them. In the meantime, we have disabled cropping. Apologies for any inconvenience. Stay informed: radiopaedia.org/chat

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum

Case contributed by Francis Fortin
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Shortness of breath following a bout of coughing.

Patient Data

Age: 16 years
Gender: Male
x-ray

Mild pneumomediastinum with air outlining the left mediastinal border, azygoesophageal recess and tracking up into the superior paratracheal space.

Annotated images

Annotated image

The findings in this case of pneumomediastinum are outlined for easier comprehension.

Case Discussion

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is known to occur mainly in adolescent and young adult males. By definition, there is no history of recent trauma. Patients are often asthmatic and may present after an episode of vigorous coughing or exercice.

This patient was treated conservatively without any complication after a barium swallow demonstrated no esophageal leak.

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.