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Spontaneous pneumomediastinum: benefits of contrast computed tomography imaging

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 August 2009

E Hoskison ,
O Judd ,
E Dickinson ,
R Vaidhyanath  and
H Pau
E Hoskison*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, University Hospitals of Leicester, UK
O Judd
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, University Hospitals of Leicester, UK
E Dickinson
Affiliation:
University of Leicester Medical School, UK
R Vaidhyanath
Affiliation:
Department of Radiology, University Hospitals of Leicester, UK
H Pau
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, University Hospitals of Leicester, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Miss E Hoskison, Department of Otolaryngology, University Hospitals of Leicester, Infirmary Square, Leicester, LE1 5WW, UK. Fax: 0116 2586082 E-mail: emmahoskison@hotmail.com
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Abstract

Objective:

We report a case of spontaneous pneumomediastinum presenting with chest and anterior neck pain.

Method:

The clinical findings, differential diagnosis and selection of radiological investigations are discussed.

Results:

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is an uncommon condition usually presenting in young patients. Presentation to the otolaryngology department occurs due to the presence of symptoms such as neck pain. Differential diagnoses must be considered and excluded, using the clinical features and the results of radiological investigation. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, conservative management is undertaken.

Conclusion:

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is uncommon and the clinical features are variable. The recommended investigation is a computed tomography scan with orally administered, water soluble contrast to exclude important differential diagnoses and thus enable definitive diagnosis.

Keywords

MediastinalEmphysemaComputed TomographyContrastSurgicalSpontaneous Rupture
Type
Clinical Records
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 124 , Issue 2 , February 2010 , pp. 220 - 222
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2009

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