A different cause of chest pain: Spontaneous pneumomediastinum

Abstract

Pneumomediastinum (PM) is a term given to the situation when there is air in the mediastinum. Spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM) gives symptom rarely and it is diagnosed coincidentally. SPM is seen frequently in young males and tend to heal spontaneously. Clinical appearance is unsteady spreads from ambiguous complaints to respiratory insuffciency which threatens life. Pain is the most common symptom and is localized substernally. PM is diagnosed by PA and lateral chestlung X-ray radiologically. Treatment must be based on cause and early surgical interventionery must be performed if needed. In this article, we aimed to present a case that has been admitted to Emergency Department for chest pain and point to SPM in the differential diagnosis of chest pain. © 2010 OMÜ Tüm Haklari Saklidir.