Spontaneous pneumomediastinum in adolescents and children.
Pneumomediastinum, the leakage of air or gas into the mediastinum, can be a primary or secondary diagnosis. Although spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM) is uncommon in pediatric respiratory disorders, it is potentially life-threatening. In this study, we investigated the associations between various etiologies and clinical presentations, hospital length-of-stay, and clinical outcomes of SPM. From January 2004 to December 2007, we collected medical records and chest films from 23 pediatric patients with SPM. Results showed that increased hospital length-of-stay was significantly associated with asthma (p = 0.035), dyspnea/tachypnea (p = 0.01), and emergent visit (p = 0.04). Dysphagia was associated with shorter hospital stay (p = 0.058). Besides, the disorder was misdiagnosed initially in 21% of patients. In conclusion, there may be close relationships between the predisposing factors of SPM and its clinical manifestations. The high rate of misdiagnosis highlights the importance of careful examination and history taking in pediatric patients with chest pain.
Chen
I-Chen
IC
Division of Pediatric Cardiology and Pulmonology, Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Tseng
Chien-Ming
CM
Hsu
Jong-Hau
JH
Wu
Jiunn-Ren
JR
Dai
Zen-Kong
ZK
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008478:Mediastinal Emphysema / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*