title: Pneumomediastinum: the Valsalva crunch.
abstract: The following case presentations illustrate the diverse clinical manifestations and benign self-limited course of spontaneous pneumomediastinum. The discussion includes the mechanisms involved, the symptoms, the radiographic findings, the potential complications, the exclusionary diagnosis, and the appropriate management of this condition.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, George Washington University Hospital, Washington, D.C., USA.
authors.forename: A K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Shyamsunder
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Gyaw
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006556:Heroin Dependence / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D002189:Marijuana Abuse / Q000150:complications; D008478:Mediastinal Emphysema / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications*; D013997:Time Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014636:Valsalva Maneuver