Work

A Case of Pneumomediastinum and Pneumorrhachis in a Patient With Multiple Risk Factors

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Pneumomediastinum is the presence of gas (usually air) in the mediastinum, which is rare and typically benign. Pneumomediastinum is classified into primary and secondary based on etiology. Its pathophysiology is due to high intra-alveolar pressures causing alveolar rupture, which releases air that travels along bronchoalveolar sheaths into the mediastinum. Pneumomediastinum may also be concurrently seen with pneumorrhachis defined as air in the spinal canal, although this finding is rare. Here, we present the case of a 27-year-old male with a past medical history of polysubstance use and a one-week history of nausea, vomiting, and chest pain who presented with frostbite and was found to have pneumomediastinum and pneumorrhachis.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.69536

Authors: Toyin Ingram, Ishani Kapoor, Yasmine Azzi, Moses O Evbuomwan, Chika Okafor

Institutions: Cape Fear Valley Health System, Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, Drexel University, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics

Language: English

Topic: Pneumothorax, Barotrauma, Emphysema

Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4402818019