Pneumomediastinum simulating a panic attack in a patient with anorexia nervosa.
OBJECTIVE
Pneumomediastinum is a rare complication of anorexia nervosa. Although the mechanism is unknown, severe malnutrition may affect lung mechanics by altering the connective tissue, predisposing to pneumomediastinum.


METHODS
We describe a young male with anorexia nervosa and panic disorder who presented with symptoms similar to those of a panic attack and was diagnosed with spontaneous pneumomediastinum.


RESULTS
This case illustrates the importance of considering pneumomediastinum in the differential diagnosis of panic attack in patients with eating disorders.


CONCLUSIONS
Although spontaneous pneumomediastinum has a generally benign course, it must be differentiated from the potentially life-threatening secondary pneumomediastinum due to an esophageal tear.
Karim
Anita
A
Department of Medicine, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, New Hyde Park, New York 11040, USA.
Ahmed
Shahid
S
Rossoff
Leonard
L
D000328:Adult; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008478:Mediastinal Emphysema / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D010100:Oxygen / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016584:Panic Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis*
D010100:Oxygen