Pneumomediastinum Totally Explained

Everything about Pneumomediastinum totally explained

Pneumomediastinum (from Greek pneuma - "air", also known as mediastinal emphysema) is a condition in which air is present in the mediastinum. First described in 1819 by René Laennec, the condition can result from physical trauma or other situations that lead to high pressure within the alveoli of the lung, causing them to burst and leak air into the chest cavity.

Presentation

Pneumomediastinum is uncommon, it occurs when air leaks from any part of the lung or airways into the mediastinum and is often recognized on auscultation by a "crunching" sound timed with the cardiac cycle (Hamman's crunch). Subcutaneous emphysema is a symptom.
The diagnosis can be confirmed via chest X-ray showing a radiolucent outline around the heart and mediastinum or via CT scanning of the thorax.

Aetiology

It is most commonly caused by:

Oesophageal rupture, for example in Boerhaave syndrome

Asthma or other conditions leading to alveolar rupture It has also been associated with:

Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia

anorexia

obesity It can be induced to assist thoracoscopic surgery.
It can be caused by a pulmonary barotrauma resulting from breath holding during ascent or a rapid ascent while scuba diving.

Further Information

Get more info on 'Pneumomediastinum'.

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