Spontaneous pneumomediastinum in adults
Kasparian, P.; Traversat, J.; Camborde, J.
La Semaine des Hopitaux Organe Fonde Par l'Association d'Enseignement Medical des Hopitaux de Paris 59(6): 373-376
1983
ISSN/ISBN: 0037-1777 PMID: 6302872 Document Number: 197676
Pneumomediastinum is an uncommon, often overlooked, condition resulting from the rupture of perivascular alveoli and the migration of air along the pulmonary vessels. Diagnosis, which is usually difficult, rests on three major signs: cervical subcutaneous emphysema, Hamman's sign and roentgenological findings. Prognosis is good and the course is uneventful. Cervico-mediastinotomy is only rarely reeded.