Pneumomediastinum is air in mediastinal interstices.
The main causes of pneumomediastinum are:
Alveolar rupture with dissection of air into the interstitium of the lung with translocation to the mediastinum
Esophageal perforation
Esophageal or bowel rupture with dissection of air from the neck or the abdomen into the mediastinum
Tension pneumomediastinum with compression of mediastinal structures is rare.
The primary symptom is substernal chest pain which can, on occasion, be severe.
Physical examination may show subcutaneous emphysema, usually in the suprasternal notch, along with a crunching or clicking noise synchronous with the heartbeat; this noise is best heard over the heart when the patient is in the left lateral decubitus position (Hamman sign).
PROF. ANDRE LABBE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
The diagnosis is confirmed by chest radiograph, which shows air in the mediastinum.
The cause of pneumomediastinum must be identified to exclude esophageal perforation, which requires hospitalization and treatment.
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Treatment of Pneumomediastinum
Usually unnecessary
Treatment usually is not necessary, although tension pneumomediastinum with compression of mediastinal structures can be relieved with needle aspiration, leaving the needle open to the atmosphere as is performed with tension pneumothorax.
Hospital admission is required if pneumomediastinum is secondary to esophageal or bowel rupture but not necessarily if secondary to alveolar rupture.
