Spontaneous pneumomediastinum (Hamman syndrome)

Moderate volume pneumomediastinum demonstrated. Normal calibre and opacification of the aortic arch and great vessels. The air encases the oesophogus, trachea and thyroid. It is not possible to exclude an oesphogeal perforation. A trace of gas extends extends into the pleural spaces at the apices and along the fissures of the lungs. A small amount of gas is present at the inferior limit of the imaged descending thoracic aorta/upper abdominal aorta, gas may extend inferior to this region.

Extensive subcutaneous emphysema within the anterior and posterior chest wall extending into the neck (including retropharyngeal), right side of the face and infratemporal fossa. The superior limit of the the subcutaneous gas has not been imaged.

Lungs and pleural spaces are clear with only minor dependant atelectasis ont heon the left of no clinical significance.

No lymphadenopathy. Within the limitations of this study no central pulmonary embolus.

The imaged upper abdomen is normal. Skeletal structures are normal.

Enostosis right humeral head.

Conclusion

Moderate volume pneumomediastinum. A trace of gas extends extends into the pleural spaces at the apices and along the fissures of the lungs. Extensive subcutaneous emphysema of the chest wall, neck (including retropharyngeal) and face. Both the inferior and superior extent of subcutaneous gas have not been imaged.

Hamman syndrome is a recognised, but uncommon peri/post partum entity.