title: Pneumomediastinum diagnosed by chest radiography after centrifuge training.
abstract: A retrospective review of the human centrifuge training database in the Republic of Singapore Air Force was carried out for the period 1995-2006. Six cases of pneumomediastinum were reported in aircrew trainees who underwent ab initio human centrifuge training. Only two of the six cases presented with chest discomfort with or without neck pain, with the rest being incidental findings picked up during routine medical examination. The diagnoses were confirmed by chest radiographs and computed tomography scans of the thorax. This is believed to be attributable to over-zealous or incorrect performance of the anti-G straining maneuver in trainees unaccustomed to a high G environment. Trainees subsequently underwent a structured weights training program and centrifuge training profiles were reviewed and revised to allow graduated G training. All affected trainees recovered uneventfully with conservative management, and were able to return to flying training.
authors.affiliation: RSAF Aeromedical Centre, 492 Airport Rd., Singapore 539945. ganweehoe@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Wee Hoe
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Gan
authors.forename: Pin Min
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Lam
authors.forename: Chun Hon
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Chong
authors.forename: Boon Chuan Benjamin
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Tan
authors.forename: Kenneth Leopold
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Fong
authors.forename: Hung Yong Richard
authors.initials: HY
authors.lastname: Tan
mesh_terms: D002498:Centrifugation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D018471:Hypergravity / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008478:Mediastinal Emphysema / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D009333:Neck; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic; D013352:Subcutaneous Emphysema / Q000209:etiology