Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 28, 2026

Author Spotlight: Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Gastric Content Assessment and Risk Stratification in Perioperative Care
Published on: September 22, 2023
Pneumomediastinum simulating a panic attack in a patient with anorexia nervosa
Anita Karim1, Shahid Ahmed, Leonard Rossoff
1Department of Medicine, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, New Hyde Park, New York 11040, USA.
Objective:
Pneumomediastinum is a rare complication of anorexia nervosa. Although the mechanism is unknown, severe malnutrition may affect lung mechanics by altering the connective tissue, predisposing to pneumomediastinum.
Method:
We describe a young male with anorexia nervosa and panic disorder who presented with symptoms similar to those of a panic attack and was diagnosed with spontaneous pneumomediastinum.
Results:
This case illustrates the importance of considering pneumomediastinum in the differential diagnosis of panic attack in patients with eating disorders.
Discussion:
Although spontaneous pneumomediastinum has a generally benign course, it must be differentiated from the potentially life-threatening secondary pneumomediastinum due to an esophageal tear.
Related Concept Videos
Acute Respiratory Failure-IV
Pneumothorax-I
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
Pneumothorax-II
Clinical Manifestations:
Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
Panic Disorder
Pneumothorax II: Pathophysiology

