Spontaneous pneumomediastinum in childhood: report of an adolescent case diagnose with asthma (original) (raw)

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum in a healthy adolescent

Acta clinica Croatica, 2009

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is a rare clinical entity defined as the presence of free air in the mediastinal structures without an apparent cause such as trauma. Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is rare in children and most frequently occurs in young male patients. It usually develops after alveolar rupture and air penetration into the pulmonary interstice, followed by air penetration towards the hila and into the mediastinum. Alveolar ruptures may be caused by various pathological and physiological processes, in children most frequently by asthma. Clinical diagnosis is based on the symptom triad including chest pain, dyspnea and subcutaneous emphysema. The diagnosis is confirmed by radiography. On differential diagnosis, esophageal perforation should be considered first, and if suspected, contrast esophagogram should be performed. Spontaneous pneumomediastinum usually resolves spontaneously in several days of treatment, which includes identification of the underlying cause (if possi...

Idiopathic Spontaneous Pneumomediastinum in an Adolescent

Cureus, 2021

Idiopathic spontaneous pneumomediastinum (ISPM) is a diagnosis of exclusion after a spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM) occurs without any identifiable predisposing factors or known aetiology. It is a rare diagnosis in adolescents, with a few cases reported in the literature. To increase awareness of this rare diagnosis, we present a case of a 17-year-old, fit and healthy male who presented with acute atraumatic chest pain. On examination, surgical emphysema in the supraclavicular fossa was identified. His chest X-ray and a subsequent computed tomography (CT) of the thorax showed extensive pneumomediastinum, with infiltration of air into the soft tissues of the neck and upper arms, but with no identifiable cause. On followup, he remained asymptomatic, and a repeat CT of the thorax four weeks after his initial presentation showed complete resolution of the pneumomediastinum. Once confirmed, ISPM is expected to resolve spontaneously without complications, with a very low rate of recurrence in nearly all cases.

Asthmatic versus non-asthmatic spontaneous pneumomediastinum in children

Asian Pacific journal of allergy and immunology / launched by the Allergy and Immunology Society of Thailand, 2005

The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical spectrum and seek potential curable causes of spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM) in children in order to minimize respiratory morbidity. Medical records from 1986 to 2003 were retrospectively reviewed at a tertiary pediatric facility in northern Taiwan. Sixteen cases of SPM were identified. There were eleven boys and five girls (M:F = 2.2:1) and ages ranged from 2 to 17 years (average, 10 years). Cough (81%), dyspnea (75%) and chest pain (56%) were the predominant symptoms and expiratory wheezing (63%) and neck crepitus (50%) were the most common physical findings. The specific sign of Hamman's crunch was noted in only one child initially. A coughing-related Valsalva maneuver (13 patients/81%) was the most common cause of pneumomediastinum in these children. The most common underlying medical causes were asthma (8 patients/50%) and idiopathic origin (5 patients/31%). Acute gastroenteritis, foreign body aspiration and mycoplasmal...

Spontaneous Pneumomediastinum in Adolescents and Children

The Kaohsiung Journal of Medical Sciences, 2010

Pneumomediastinum, the leakage of air or gas into the mediastinum, can be a primary or secondary diagnosis. Although spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM) is uncommon in pediatric respiratory disorders, it is potentially life‐threatening. In this study, we investigated the associations between various etiologies and clinical presentations, hospital length‐of‐stay, and clinical outcomes of SPM. From January 2004 to December 2007, we collected medical records and chest films from 23 pediatric patients with SPM. Results showed that increased hospital length‐of‐stay was significantly associated with asthma (p = 0.035), dyspnea/tachypnea (p = 0.01), and emergent visit (p = 0.04). Dysphagia was associated with shorter hospital stay (p = 0.058). Besides, the disorder was misdiagnosed initially in 21% of patients. In conclusion, there may be close relationships between the predisposing factors of SPM and its clinical manifestations. The high rate of misdiagnosis highlights the importance of c...

Spontaneous Pneumomediastinum a Rare Asthma Complication

Folia Medica

Asthma is the most common chronic respiratory disease worldwide and its prevalence is increasing. Acute asthma complications are often the reason for admission to emergency healthcare service. In our article we present a case of a rare asthma complication – spontaneous pneumomediastinum with a short review of its incidence, etiology, diagnosis and management. Spontaneus pneumothorax is important to differentiate with secondary pneumomediastinum as well as other conditions as cardiac diseases (acute coronary syndrome, pericarditis, cardiac tamponade, pneumopericardium), lung diseases (pneumothorax, pulmonary embolism, tracheobronchial tree rupture), musculoskeletal disorders, and diseases of the esophagus (rupture and perforation o the esophagus). A chest X-ray is often reliable for diagnosis of spontaneous pneumomediastinum and when inconclusive, can be followed by CT. The management is usually conservative with oxygen and analgesia. Surgery is required only in cases of tracheobronc...

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum: 41 cases

Objective: Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is characterized by the presence of interstitial air in the mediastinum without any apparent precipitating factor. The purpose of this study is to review and discuss our experience with this condition. Methods: A descriptive, retrospective study of 41 cases -34 men (83%) and 7 women (17%) -treated at our hospital for spontaneous pneumomediastinum from January 1990 through June 2006. Results: The mean age of the patients was 21 years (range, 14-35 years). Notably, 22% of patients had a prior history of asthma. No precipitating factor was identified in 51% of cases while onset was associated with physical effort in 12%. Chest pain (85%) and dyspnea (49%) were the most common symptoms. Subcutaneous emphysema, which presented in 71% of patients, was the most common sign. Pneumomediastinum was diagnosed by plain chest radiography in all cases. In certain cases, a computed tomography scan of the chest, contrast-enhanced swallow, or bronchoscopy was performed. All patients were admitted to the hospital with good progress and no instances of morbidity or mortality. Treatment included analgesia, rest, and/or initial oxygen therapy. The mean length of hospital stay was 5 days (range, 1-9 days) with only one case of early recurrence, which was resolved satisfactorily. Conclusions: Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is a benign process primarily affecting young men. Despite its low incidence, spontaneous pneumomediastinum should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute chest pain because it requires a high index of suspicion. Patients with spontaneous pneumomediastinum respond well to medical treatment, with no recurrence in the great majority of cases. #

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum: a rare benign entity

The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, 2003

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum usually occurs in young people without an apparent precipitating factor or disease. Thoracic surgeons are involved in the diagnosis and management of this entity because of the potentially life-threatening conditions that either must be treated as an emergency or excluded, such as esophageal perforation or necrotizing mediastinitis. We present our modest experience in treating spontaneous pneumomediastinum. Materials: Between 1988 and 1998 we treated 22 cases of spontaneous pneumomediastinum in 18 male patients and 4 female patients, ranging in age between 12 and 32 years. All traumatic cases were excluded. Retrosternal chest pain was the main symptom the patients presented. In only 11 cases was subcutaneous emphysema present. Chest radiography was diagnostic in all our cases. Computed tomographic scan, when performed, confirmed the diagnosis. An esophagogram was essential to exclude an esophageal rupture. Last, a cardiologic examination especially focusing on pericarditis excluded cardiac disease. Results: Conservative treatment consisted of bed rest, oxygen therapy, and analgesics, which led to rapid resolution of the spontaneous pneumomediastinum. The mean hospital stay ranged between 3 and 10 days. In a follow-up of 3 to 12 years only 1 recurrence was observed. Conclusion: Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is usually an undiagnosed benign entity that responds very well to conservative treatment. It should be considered in the differential diagnosis of chest pain, especially in healthy adolescents and young adults.

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum: ten years of our experience in diagnosis and outcome

Central European Journal of Medicine, 2014

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM) is a rare clinical condition that may be mild but also dramatic with sudden onset of chest pain and dyspnea accompanied by swelling and subcutaneous crepitations. The objective of this study was to analyze the clinical presentation and outcome of SPM in a specialized pulmonary tertiary care centre over a 10 years year period. In subsequent followup, we received information related to recurrence episodes of SPM by patients or their GPs physicians. Eighteen patients, 15 (83%) men, mean age 24 years (SD ±7.86) were diagnosed with SPM. Predominant symptoms were chest pain and cough (n=11) then dyspnea (n=9). Asthma was the most common predisposing condition (n=12). Pneumomediastinum was present on chest radiograph in 17 cases (94%), and in one case it was detected only by computed tomography. The mean length of hospital stay was 7 days (SD ±4.4 days). All our patients recovered and there were no complications. Recurrent event occurred in one asthma pa...

Spontaneous Pneumomediastinum in a Young Adult: A Rare Presentation

Cureus

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM) refers to the presence of air in the mediastinum without any obvious cause. It is an uncommon condition occurring due to alveolar rupture as a result of increased intrathoracic pressure. It is commonly seen in young males, patients with known asthmatic disorders and pulmonary diseases. We report a rare case of SPM in a young healthy male without any significant past history. The patient was managed conservatively and discharged.

Asthma exacerbation complicated by pneumomediastinum: Case report

2024

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is a rare entity that can complicate an asthma attack and can occur in young adults or adolescents. The abrupt onset of pneumomediastinum is usually associated with dyspnea, cough and chest pain. We report a case of severe asthma attack complicated by spontaneous pneumomediastinum in a 25-year-old female patient. Chest X-ray and CT scan confirmed the diagnosis. Progression was favorable within 6 days of treatment

Spontaneous Pneumomediastinum Revealing Asthma: The Macklin Effect

Cureus

Pneumomediastinum is defined by the presence of air in the mediastinum, which may be either secondary to trauma, pneumothorax or perforation of the airways, or spontaneous. We report the case of a 28-year-old female patient with pneumomediastinum revealing asthma in acute exacerbation. The patient wasn't known to be asthmatic or to have an atopic background, no history of surgery, nor any notion of trauma, or recent iatrogeny. She presented with sudden onset of tachypnea associated with chest tightness and productive cough with greenish sputum. Auscultation of her chest revealed audible sibilant rales with the presence of subcutaneous emphysema. Chest radiograph objectivated an aeric border along the edge of the cardiac silhouette associated with subcutaneous hyperclarity of the cervical region. The thoracic CT scan confirmed the presence of a diffuse moderate pneumomediastinum. The patient was put under nasal oxygen, nebulized Ventolin and given intravenous corticosteroid therapy. The patient evolved favorably within three days marked by clinical improvement, the persistence of discrete sibilant rales at the apexes, as well as subcutaneous emphysema in regression after oxygen therapy and conventional medical treatment.

Childhood asthma predisposes to spontaneous pneumomediastinum

Emergency Medicine Journal, 2004

This case further illustrates that perceived ''low velocity'' weapons such as air rifles potentially produce life threatening penetrating injuries in adults as well as children. 1 Patients may at presentation appear haemodynamically normal with minimal indication of underlying injury. 2

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum. Case report

Case reports, 2017

Introduction: Spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM) is defined as the presence of air in the mediastinum. It is a rare entity considered benign and self-limiting, which mostly affects young adults. Its diagnosis is confirmed through clinical and radiological studies. Case description: 21-year-old male patient with cough and greenish expectoration for four days, associated with dyspnea, chest pain, fever and bilateral supraclavicular subcutaneous emphysema. Chest X-ray suggested pneumomediastinum, which was confirmed by tomography. The patient was hospitalized for observation and treatment. After a positive evolution, he was discharged on the sixth day. Discussion: SPM is a differential diagnosis in patients with chest pain and dyspnea. Its prevalence is lower than 0.01% and its mortality rate is low. It should be suspected in patients with chest pain and subcutaneous emphysema on physical examination. Between 70 and 90% of the cases can be identified by chest X-ray, while confirmation can be obtained through chest tomography. In most cases it does not require additional studies. Conclusion: SPM is a little known cause of acute chest pain, and rarely considered as a differential diagnosis; it is self-limited and has a good prognosis.

Spontaneous Pneumomediastinum with a Rare Presentation

Case Reports in Emergency Medicine, 2014

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is an unusual and benign condition in which air is present in mediastinum. A 20-year-old male patient presented to ED with complaint of hoarseness and odynophagia from the day before, after weightlifting. The patient was nonsmoker and denied history of other diseases. On physical examination he had no dyspnea with normal vital signs. Throat examination and pulmonary auscultation were normal and no crepitation was palpable. We could not find subcutaneous emphysema in neck and chest examination. In neck and chest X-ray we found that air is present around the trachea. There was no apparent pneumothorax in CXR. In cervical and chest CT free air was present around trachea and in mediastinum. Subcutaneous emphysema was also evident. But there was no pneumothorax. The patient was admitted and went under close observation, oxygen therapy, and analgesic. The pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema gradually resolved within a week by conservative therapy and he was discharged without any complication. Many different conditions could be trigged because of pneumomediastinum but it is rarely seen in intense physical exertion such as weightlifting and bodybuilding. Two most common symptoms are retrosternal chest pain and dyspnea. But the patient here complained of hoarseness and odynophagia.

Young man with Spontaneous Pneumomediastinum with Atypical Presentation

Razavi International Journal of Medicine, 2019

Introduction: Spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM) is a rare condition that is defined as the presence of free air in the mediastinal structures without underlying cause. It commonly happens after coughing, vomiting or intensive physical exercise. Most patients present to emergency department (ED) with dyspnea and chest pain. Young healthy adults are the most population that involve with this problem. Chest X-ray and Chest CT are modalities that can be used for approving the diagnosis. Although SPM seldom accompany with life threatening complications, it is usually a benign and self-limiting disorder. Here we introduce a patient with spontaneous pneumomediastinum with atypical presentation. Case Presentation: A 19-year-old man presented to ED with chief complaint of dyspnea without chest trauma. He denied any drugs consumption and his past medical history did not have noticeable problems. Patient's vital signs were normal and in physical examination, except mild emphysema of neck, other system inspection did not have any pathologic findings correspond with his complication. Chest X-ray and chest CT scan exhibited air in mediastinum without any other pathology like rib fracture. After three days his symptoms was resolved with no requiring to specific treatment. Conclusion: It is a rare condition and if it present with rare symptoms the diagnosis would be very difficult. More, physical examination and chest x-ray as the first diagnostic imaging in respiratory complaints may detect no obvious findings. SPM should be considered as differential diagnosis in young adults, with any respiratory complaint.

Spontaneous Pneumomediastinum *

CHEST Journal, 2005

Objective: To identify the significance of spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM) and to optimize its management. Methods: A retrospective analysis was undertaken of all patients presenting with SPM over a 5-year period. Eighteen patients were identified, and information on their presentations, initial diagnoses, comorbidities, investigations, clinical courses, length of hospital stays, and outcomes were collated. Setting: The emergency department referrals of two major Melbourne teaching hospitals. Results: SPM is an uncommon condition presenting in approximately 1 in 30,000 emergency department referrals. The typical patient identified from this study is a young man who is likely to have a history of asthma, and who is also likely to smoke or to use illicit drugs. The most common presentation is nonspecific pleuritic chest pain with dyspnea. Complications are rare, and the clinical course benign, but the possibility of a ruptured viscus or an initial misdiagnosis often leads to a great number of investigations. A proposed algorithm of management is given. Other serious and potentially life-threatening conditions, such as Boerhaave syndrome need to be excluded.

Case Report Spontaneous pneumomediastinum revisited

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum revisited

Respiratory Medicine CME, 2011

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is defined as free air within the mediastinum, not associated with trauma. Causes include exercise, drugs, asthma, vomiting, difficult labour and Valsalva maneuvers. It's a rare, usually benign and self-limited condition, more prevalent in young males. The triad of thoracic pain, dyspnoea and subcutaneous emphysema is typical. We report a case of a 23 year old man presenting to the emergency room complaining of odynophagia, thoracic pain and neck swelling. He had fever and productive purulent cough in the previous week. He had no abnormal findings but subcutaneous emphysema. We found a pneumomediastinum without pneumothorax, treated conservatively with complete resolution. Although frightening, this condition usually has good prognosis without specific treatment, other than avoidance of the cause.