title: Recurrent idiopathic pneumomediastinum.
abstract: A case is described of the rare syndrome of recurrent idiopathic pneumomediastinum which had been mistakenly diagnosed as recurrent spontaneous perforation of the oesophagus. The case illustrates the importance of distinguishing between pneumomediastinum and oesophageal rupture because of their markedly differing prognosis and management.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004935:Esophageal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008478:Mediastinal Emphysema / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011859:Radiography; D012008:Recurrence; D012422:Rupture, Spontaneous / Q000175:diagnosis