Spontaneous pneumomediastinum: is a chest X-ray enough? A single-center case series.
BACKGROUND
Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is a rare entity that usually occurs in young males without any apparent precipitating factor. Several case series have been published focusing on clinical features, workup and prognosis. Due to the rarity of this entity, there is no consensus on the most appropriate treatment.


OBJECTIVE
To describe the clinical characteristics and course of patients with spontaneous pneumomediastinum in our institution.


METHODS
This retrospective descriptive study was based on a review of the charts of all patients discharged from our hospital with a diagnosis of SPM during the period 2000 to 2007. Thirteen patients were identified and information on their clinical presentation, course, hospital stay, investigations and outcome was gathered.


RESULTS
In 70% of patients the presenting complaint of SPM was pleuritic chest pain, while 30% of patients developed SPM in the course of another respiratory illness. Subcutaneous emphysema was the most common clinical finding (46%). Chest X-ray was diagnostic in 12 of 13 patients, and additional tests such as esophagogram and echocardiogram were unrevealing. Leukocytosis and electrocardiographic changes in inferior leads were seen in 30% of patients. Mean hospital stay was 48 hours, treatment was supportive, and symptomatic improvement was usually noted within 24 hours. No recurrences occurred.


CONCLUSIONS
SPM is a rare entity that should be considered in patients with pleuritic chest pain. Treatment is supportive, and if no clues for esophageal rupture are present, investigations other than chest X-ray are probably not warranted. It is safe to discharge the patient within 24 hours provided that symptomatic improvement is achieved.
Department of Internal Medicine, Shaare Zedek Medical Center and Hebrew University Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel. dyjesa@bezeqint.net
Yaacov
Y
Esayag
Victoria
V
Furer
Gabriel
G
Izbicki
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008478:Mediastinal Emphysema / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008875:Middle Aged; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic; D013352:Subcutaneous Emphysema / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging