[Mediastinal emphysema after thoracotomy (author's transl)].
A mediastinal emphysema was seen via x-ray film in 35 of 40 patients after opening of the mediastinum by longitudinal sternotomy. After about a week it was found in approximately every second patient; after 14 days it had been fully absorbed by all patients. Mediastinal emphysema could occur in conjunction with a cutaneous emphysema, and pneumothorax, respectively. Occasionally a pneumopericardium is seen even in the recumbent patient. Safe diagnosis of mediastinal emphysema is possible in the anterior lower mediastinum projected on to the cardiac silhouette if the x-ray film is taken obliquely.
D006801:Humans; D008478:Mediastinal Emphysema / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D008482:Mediastinum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011026:Pneumopericardium / Q000209:etiology; D011859:Radiography; D012075:Remission, Spontaneous; D013903:Thoracic Surgery / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013997:Time Factors
Mediastinalemphysem nach Thorakotomie.