Spontaneous Pneumomediastinum: A Case Series

Amer Hashim Al-Ani1*, Abdullah Imadeddin Malek2, Ahmed Ashraf Khamis2 and Mustafa Yaseen Rashid Al Badra3

1Department of General Surgery, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, UAE
2College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, UAE
3Department of Radiology, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, UAE

^*Correspondance to: Amer Hashim Al-Ani 

 PDF  Full Text DOI: 10.25107/2474-1647.2770

Abstract

Introduction: Spontaneous Pneumomediastinum (SPM) is a benign condition defined as the presence of air in the mediastinum. Most cases are discovered incidentally. Symptoms may include chest pain, throat pain, dysphonia, dysphagia and dyspnea. Clinical course is generally uneventful, and most patients are managed conservatively. Presentation of Cases: We present 2 cases of young, fit male patients. The first patient presented with throat pain for 2 days. Clinical examination was insignificant. Radiographic investigations demonstrated evidence of pneumomediastinum with subcutaneous emphysema. The second patient was brought with 1-h history of agitation. On examination chest wall emphysema was demonstrated. Computed Tomography (CT) scan demonstrated pneumomediastinum, pneumoperitoneum and pneumoretroperitoneum. Both patients were treated conservatively and discharged well within days. Conclusion: Cases of SPM are not uncommon. CT scan and endoscopy are the cornerstone of diagnosis. Management is primarily conservative. More studies are required to accurately pin down the true incidence rate of SPM and the ideal management plan.

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Cite the article

Ani AH, Malek AI, Khamis AA, Rashid Al Badra MY. Spontaneous Pneumomediastinum: A Case Series. Clin Surg. 2020; 5: 2770..