Work

Hamman's crunch—A pathognomonic sign of pneumomediastinum

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Pneumomediastinum, particularly spontaneous pneumomediastinum, is uncommon and presents a diagnostic challenge. In human medicine, auscultation of Hamman’s crunch, a crepitant, crunching noise, audible over the cardiac region in synchrony with the heartbeat, is considered pathognomonic for pneumomediastinum. This case report is the first to highlight the diagnostic utility of Hamman’s crunch for the diagnosis of pneumomediastinum in a horse. The horse’s clinical presentation differed from that of reported equine spontaneous pneumomediastinum cases, with pleurodynia (thoracic pain) and odynophagia (pain when swallowing) being prominent features. The investigation to confirm pneumomediastinum, identify potential underlying causes and rule out potentially fatal complications is described. The favourable outcome of this case is consistent with previous reports that spontaneous pneumomediastinum in the horse has a good prognosis, despite having dramatic presenting symptoms.

Source: Equine Veterinary Education

DOI: 10.1111/eve.70126

Authors: S. McCullagh, C. R. Daniel, J. A. Keen, N. J. Parkinson, B. C. McGorum

Institutions: Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh

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: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,760