Spontaneous pneumomediastinum with concurrent pneumorrhachis

Korean J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2014 Dec;47(6):569-71. doi: 10.5090/kjtcs.2014.47.6.569. Epub 2014 Dec 5.

Abstract

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is a very uncommon entity that is defined as the presence of free air in the mediastinum without an obvious etiology. The presence of air in the spinal canal, known as concurrent pneumorrhachis, is an extremely rare epiphenomenon of spontaneous pneumomediastinum. We report a rare case of spontaneous pneumomediastinum with pneumorrhachis associated with influenza. The patient was diagnosed without invasive procedures, was managed with supportive treatment, and recovered without any complications.

Keywords: Mediastinal emphysema; Mediastinum; Pneumorrhachis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports