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Published on: March 12, 2020

Pneumorrhachis secondary to traumatic pneumomediastinum in a child

Sridhar Gibikote1, Alison Wray, A Michelle Fink

  • 1Medical Imaging, The Royal Children's Hospital, Flemington Road, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria, 3052, Australia.

Pediatric Radiology
|June 14, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Pneumorrhachis, or air in the spinal canal, is a rare condition in children. This case report details a pediatric patient whose pneumorrhachis resolved spontaneously after treatment for traumatic pneumomediastinum.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Radiology
  • Thoracic Imaging
  • Spinal Imaging

Background:

  • Pneumorrhachis, defined as extraluminal air within the spinal canal, is an uncommon finding.
  • Its occurrence in the pediatric population is exceptionally rare, posing diagnostic challenges.

Observation:

  • A 4-year-old boy presented with symptoms suggestive of a traumatic injury.
  • Imaging revealed pneumomediastinum, with secondary extension of air into the spinal canal (pneumorrhachis).

Findings:

  • The pediatric pneumorrhachis resolved spontaneously following successful treatment of the primary traumatic pneumomediastinum.
  • This suggests a potential pathway for air tracking from the mediastinum to the spinal canal in pediatric trauma.

Implications:

  • Understanding the mechanisms of pneumorrhachis in children is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.
  • This case highlights the importance of comprehensive imaging evaluation in pediatric trauma patients with mediastinal air, considering potential spinal canal involvement.

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