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Pneumomediastinum

 
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
 
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Pneumomediastinum is the presence of air in the mediastinum.

trusted-source[1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6]

What causes pneumomediastinum?

The three main causes of pneumomediastinum are the rupture of the alveoli with the breakthrough of air into the mediastinum, rupture of the esophagus and rupture of the stomach or intestine with the breakthrough of air from the neck or from the abdominal cavity to the mediastinum.

Symptoms of pneumomediastinum

The main symptoms of pneumomediastinum are chest pains in the lower part of the chest, which can in some cases be very pronounced. In physical examination, subcutaneous emphysema is defined, usually over the sternum, along with crunchy or snapping sounds that coincide with cardiac contractions that are best heard over the heart region, in the patient's position lying on the left side (Hamman's symptom).

Diagnosis of pneumomediastinum

The diagnosis of "pneumomediastinum" is confirmed by radiography of the chest, which detects the air in the mediastinum.

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Treatment of pneumomediastinum

Treatment of pneumomediastinum is usually not required, although intense pneumomediastinum with compression of the mediastinal structures (which, however, is a rare condition) may require needle aspiration and then leave the needle, as is done with a strained pneumothorax.

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