What is Pneumomediastinum (Mediastinal emphysema)?
It is Air introduced within the mediastinum
- Alveolar rupture with dissection of air into the mediastinum.
2- Subcutaneous emphysema in the suprasternal notch may present.
3- Auscultation, Hamman's sign which is crunching or clicking noise synchronous with the heart beats, it is best heard in the left lateral decubitus.
4- It is confirmed by chest x ray.
5- In mild cases O2 therapy ---> absorbition of air, severe cases need needle aspiration .
It is Air introduced within the mediastinum
Causes of Pneumomediastinum
- Rupture or perforation of trachea or oesophagus.- Alveolar rupture with dissection of air into the mediastinum.
Diagnosis and treatment :
1- Chest pain without radiation.2- Subcutaneous emphysema in the suprasternal notch may present.
3- Auscultation, Hamman's sign which is crunching or clicking noise synchronous with the heart beats, it is best heard in the left lateral decubitus.
4- It is confirmed by chest x ray.
5- In mild cases O2 therapy ---> absorbition of air, severe cases need needle aspiration .
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