Pneumomediastinum

Pneumomediastinum (from Greek pneuma – 'air', also known as mediastinal emphysema) is pneumatosis (abnormal presence of air or other gas) in the mediastinum. First described in 1819 by René Laennec, the condition can result from physical trauma or other situations that lead to air escaping from the lungs, airways, or bowel into the chest cavity.Pneumomediastinum and right sided pneumothorax post first rib fracture in a mountain biking accident.Pneumomediastinum with Angel wing signPneumomediastinum as seen on ultrasound Pneumomediastinum (from Greek pneuma – 'air', also known as mediastinal emphysema) is pneumatosis (abnormal presence of air or other gas) in the mediastinum. First described in 1819 by René Laennec, the condition can result from physical trauma or other situations that lead to air escaping from the lungs, airways, or bowel into the chest cavity. The main symptom is usually severe central chest pain. Other symptoms include laboured breathing, voice distortion (as with helium) and subcutaneous emphysema, specifically affecting the face, neck, and chest. Pneumomediastinum can also be characterized by the shortness of breath that is typical of a respiratory system problem. It is often recognized on auscultation by a 'crunching' sound timed with the cardiac cycle (Hamman's crunch).Pneumomediastinum may also present with symptoms mimicking cardiac tamponade as a result of the increased intrapulmonary pressure on venous flow to the heart.