Presentation
Acute exacerbation of asthma. Shortness of breath and chest pain.
Patient Data
Age: 20 years
Gender: Male
From the case:
Pneumomediastinum
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Streaky lucencies are present in the superior mediastinum and outlining the left-side of the cardiac silhouette. These are accentuated on the expiratory x-ray.
Minor perihilar peribronchial cuffing. The lungs are otherwise clear. No pneumothorax.
Case Discussion
Up to 75% of chest x-rays in patients presenting with asthma will have a normal chest x-ray. If chest x-ray abnormalities are present, findings include peribronchial thickening (related to airway inflammation), mucous plugging or hyperinflation. In addition, patients may present with complications of asthma, such as pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, atelectasis or superimposed infection.