Work

Case Report: A rare case of spontaneous lesser omental sac hernia with pneumomediastinum

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Pneumomediastinum typically results from trauma, iatrogenic injury, or an acute rise in intrathoracic pressure, as occurs with forceful coughing or vomiting. Here, we report an adolescent male patient with a congenital lesser omental defect, which led to small bowel herniation into the lesser sac. The incarcerated intestinal loop compressed the pylorus, resulting in gastric outlet obstruction, intractable vomiting, and subsequent pneumomediastinum. This case illustrates lesser sac herniation leading to vomiting-induced pneumomediastinum via the "Macklin effect".

Source: Frontiers in Surgery

DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2026.1900310

Authors: Jianlei Yang, Zili Zhang

Institution: Tianjin Third Central Hospital

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: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801