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Published on: January 23, 2026
Pneumomediastinum after lung packing.
F L Jacobson1, S H Loring, M Ferrigno
1Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
Summary
Glossopharyngeal insufflation, a breath-hold diving technique, can increase lung volume but may cause lung injury. A diver experienced pneumomediastinum after lung packing, suggesting high pressures can lead to this condition.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Diving Medicine
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Lung packing, or glossopharyngeal insufflation, is a technique used by breath-hold divers to increase lung volume.
- This maneuver involves using glossopharyngeal muscles to force air into the lungs beyond total lung capacity.
- Previous research suggested potential risks, including lung rupture, associated with this technique.
Observation:
- A case study involving a diver during a physiological study documented a pneumomediastinum.
- The diver underwent glossopharyngeal insufflation, increasing lung gas volume by 1,040 ml.
- Transpulmonary pressures reached 4.1 kPa during the procedure.
Findings:
- The chest CT scan revealed a pneumomediastinum in the diver.
- The high transpulmonary pressures generated during lung packing are implicated as the cause.
- This finding supports the theoretical risk of lung overexpansion injuries.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential dangers of lung packing in breath-hold diving.
- It underscores the importance of understanding the physiological limits and risks associated with extreme breathing maneuvers.
- Further research into safe diving practices and the limits of glossopharyngeal insufflation is warranted.
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