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Spontaneous pneumomediastinum

Case contributed by Servet Kahveci
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Sudden chest pain. There is no trauma history.

Patient Data

Age: 35 years
Gender: Male

There is air in the mediastinum surrounding the aorta and trachea (pneumomediastinum).

No pneumothorax and pneumopericardium

FU CT study 1 mth afterwards

ct

The pneumomediastinum has resolved.

The CT study is now normal.

Case Discussion

Pneumomediastinum represents extraluminal gas in the mediastinum. There are many causes of pneumomediastinum such as trauma, surgery, infection, asthma. Although it is rare, pneumomediastinum can occur spontaneously. Pneumomediastinum can lead to pneumothorax, pneumopericardium, pneumoperitoneum or pneumoretroperitoneum.

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