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Spontaneous pneumorrhachis in bronchial asthma
1Department of Radiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, India. muneereesa@rediffmail.com
Acta Radiologica (Stockholm, Sweden : 1987)
|September 5, 2006
Summary
An 18-year-old male with asthma experienced neck and chest swelling. This led to the rare discovery of pneumorrhachis (air in the spinal canal) alongside pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Radiology
- Neurology
Background:
- Bronchial asthma can present with various respiratory complications.
- Spontaneous pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema are known, albeit uncommon, asthma-related findings.
Observation:
- An 18-year-old male with asthma developed neck and upper chest swelling post-bronchospasm.
- Physical examination suggested subcutaneous emphysema, confirmed radiographically.
Findings:
- Computed tomography revealed pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema.
- Additionally, air was identified within the spinal epidural space, indicating pneumorrhachis.
Implications:
- This case highlights a very rare association of spontaneous pneumorrhachis in an asthmatic patient.
- The findings underscore the importance of advanced imaging in diagnosing rare complications of asthma exacerbations.
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