Abstract | OBJECTIVE: 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: CONCLUSION:
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Authors | Michalis Gerazounis, Kalliopi Athanassiadi, Nikolitsa Kalantzi, Marios Moustardas |
Journal | The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery
(J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg)
Vol. 126
Issue 3
Pg. 774-6
(Sep 2003)
ISSN: 0022-5223 [Print] United States |
PMID | 14502153
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Topics |
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Child
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Mediastinal Emphysema
(diagnostic imaging, therapy)
- Radiography
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