[Etiopathogenicity of cervicomediastinal emphysema]

Cervical and mediastinal emphysema is a rather rare phenomenon, that may happen in various clinical situations. The ENT-specialist is commonly involved in diagnostic as well as in therapeutic procedures. This retrospective study of 116 cases shows three different ethiopathogenic mechanisms: a direct trauma, a pressure gradient and a local gaz production in the soft tissues. Two patient groups with a different prognosis could be found. Accordingly, a diagnostic procedure is proposed and the place of endoscopy in diagnosis and treatment is discussed.