López-López JM, Domínguez-Fonseca JJ

Language: Spanish
References: 0
Page: 175-179
PDF size: 282.36 Kb.

ABSTRACT

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is defined as a primary process characterized by the presence of air or gas in the mediastinum without the precedent of traumatic or iatrogenic cause, with benign and limited character. Its incidence is variable and the thoracic pain, acute dyspnea and subcutaneous emphysema are the most frequent symptoms. Simple radiography of the thorax allows for the diagnosis in a high percentage of patients. Relapses are infrequent. It was reported the experience with a 6-year-old patient who attended to the Emergency Unit suffering from flu symptoms, intense cough and dyspnea. The physical examination revealed crepitation, redness and emphysema in sternal and supraclavicular area that extended to the whole neck and face. Vague pain, too. By means of lateral and antero-posterior neck ant thoracic simple radiography signs of spontaneous pneumomediasinum were found with subcutaneous neck and supraclavicular emphysema plus mediastinal extension, dissecting retropharynx and deep and posterior vascular spaces. Supportive and symptomatic therapy was indicated, with a positive recovery.