title: Spontaneous pneumomediastinum in adult dermatomyositis.
abstract: Spontaneous pneumomediastinum has not been reported in adult polymyositis or dermatomyositis, either in conjunction with spontaneous pneumothorax or in isolation. Spontaneous pneumothorax has been rarely reported as a complication of rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, and childhood dermatomyositis. It is associated with active, progressive pulmonary involvement and a poor prognosis. We describe an adult with dermatomyositis and spontaneous pneumomediastinum with a favourable outcome.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003882:Dermatomyositis / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008478:Mediastinal Emphysema / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D011379:Prognosis; D011859:Radiography