Idiopathic spontaneous pneumomediastinum: an uncommon emergency in children

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum due to gastroesophageal reflux disease in an adolescent boy

“…Other previously reported plausible triggers of SPM include asthma, ingestion of ‘ecstacy’ (methylenedioxymethamphetamine), foreign body aspiration and exhaustive Valsalva manoeuvre 1–4 . Strenuous exercise, including swimming, tennis and weight lifting, is also a predisposing factor for SPM 5 . In this case, we excluded other possible precipitating events by thorough interrogation.…”

“…Symptoms such as dyspnoea, dysphagia, cervical oedema, and rhinolalia have also been reported. Subcutaneous emphysema and Hamman's sign (audible crepitations synchronous with the heartbeat on chest auscultation) are the two common physical findings 1–5 . Oesophagography is essential in selected patients with potential perforated hollow viscus, 2–4 including patients with a history of vomiting and retching 4,5 .…”

“…SPM is characterized by the non‐traumatic appearance of free air in the mediastinum. SPM may be precipitated by asthma, Valsalva manoeuvre, drug inhalation, foreign body aspiration or forceful straining during exercise 1–5 . Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as an underlying cause of pneumomediastinum has not been reported.…”

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“…The natural evolution of spontaneous pneumo-spontaneous pneumonitis is to cure in 2 to 4 days with complete disappearance of clinical and ra-diological signs. No specific therapy (antibiotherapy, oxygen therapy) seems to have proved effective, recurrences are rare, complications are exceptional [9].…”

Neumomediastino Espontaneo: Enfisema Retrofaringeo Forma De Presentacion No Habitual

“…En casos más graves se ha observado cianosis y compromiso hemodinámico (13,14) . Smith y colaboradores reportaron 4 casos de NE con síntomas limitados a la cabeza y el cuello, que fueron atendidos en la primera consulta por un otorrinolaringólogo, al igual que uno de nuestros pacientes (15) .…”