title: [Spontaneous pneumomediastinum in dermatomyositis: a pathophysiological approach using imaging].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is a rare complication of dermatomyositis.
  
  
  METHODS
  We report a case of pneumomediastinum with massive subcutaneous emphysema occurring in a female patient with dermatomyositis treated with cortico-steroids.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our case illustrates perfectly the mechanism of spread of air along the broncho-vascular structures and also explains the presence of pneumomediastinum in the absence of pneumothorax.
authors.affiliation: Service de Radiologie et d'Imagerie Médicale, Hôpital Purpan, Toulouse, France. fdemaupeou@yahoo.com
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: de Maupeou
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Chiavassa-Gandois
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Giron
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Zabraniecki
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Sans
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Fournie
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Railhac
mesh_terms: D003882:Dermatomyositis / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008478:Mediastinal Emphysema / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed