Increased intracranial pressure: an indication to decompress a tension pneumomediastinum.
A 7-yr-old boy undergoing treatment for respiratory failure after near-drowning developed a pneumomediastinum. Intracranial hypertension refractory to previously successful therapy led to placement of a mediastinal tube, after which intracranial pressure decreased and was easier to control. A pneumomediastinum may cause intracranial hypertension by interfering with venous drainage from the cranium.
D002648:Child; D004322:Drainage; D004332:Drowning / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D007427:Intracranial Pressure; D008297:Male; D008478:Mediastinal Emphysema / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000150:complications