The Macklin effect in the etiology for pneumediastinum in chest trauma
Palmese, S.; Carbone, D.; Muoio, R.; Scarano, D.; Odierna, I.; Scibilia, A.C.; Natale, A.
Recenti Progressi in Medicina 99(9): 458-460
2008
ISSN/ISBN: 0034-1193 PMID: 19044255 Document Number: 618911
This case report has the scope to review the etiology and pathophysiology of pneumomediastinum in severe blunt trauma, with a special interest to its more frequent origin: the Macklin effect. The Macklin effect is a pathophysiologic process characterized by the blunt traumatic alveolar ruptures, air dissection along bronchovascular sheaths, with the formation of blunt pulmonary interstitial emphysema, radiologic marker, until the formation of a pneumomediastinum. Its premature diagnostic acknowledgment is important in the managing of the blunt chest trauma.