title: Air within the spinal canal in spontaneous pneumomediastinum.
abstract: Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is an uncommon benign condition that is occasionally associated with air within the spinal canal. We describe a further case in a 14-year-old girl and suggest a classification system based on a detailed review of the previous literature. Forty-eight patients with spontaneous pneumomediastinum and intraspinal air accumulation (36 men and 12 women, age range 4-72 years, median age 18 years) were grouped into those with underlying lung disease (n = 13), those with other underlying etiologic factors (n = 22), and those arising spontaneously (n = 13). Neurologic symptoms or signs were noted in one case. The remaining cases were successfully managed conservatively. In spontaneous pneumomediastinum, accumulation of air within the spinal canal is self-limiting and benign. The same management is advised in spontaneous pneumomediastinum with and without intraspinal air accumulation.
authors.affiliation: Division of Pediatrics, San Giovanni Hospital, 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Eva A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Belotti
authors.forename: Mattia
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rizzi
authors.forename: Paola
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Rodoni-Cassis
authors.forename: Monica
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ragazzi
authors.forename: Maura
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zanolari-Caledrerari
authors.forename: Mario G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Bianchetti
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000388:Air; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008478:Mediastinal Emphysema / Q000145:classification* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic; D013115:Spinal Canal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D055815:Young Adult