title: [Spontaneous mediastinal emphysema].
abstract: Spontaneous mediastinal emphysema, also known as spontaneous pneumomediastinum, is defined as radiologically detected free air in the mediastinum, without preceding trauma. It is a rare condition, mainly affecting young adults. It can be caused by coughing, strenuous sports or cocaine inhalation, however, 40% are idiopatic. Common symptoms are chest pain and dyspnoea. 75-90% can be diagnosed with a chest X-ray, and 100% with a computed tomography. Treatment is symptomatic and complications are rare, however, pneumothorax and pneumorrachis have been reported.
authors.affiliation: klausnielsen.md@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Charlotte
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Svedbrand
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Lange
authors.forename: Klaus
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Nielsen
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008478:Mediastinal Emphysema / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D011859:Radiography; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D055815:Young Adult