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Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition
Published on: March 3, 2023
Unusual cause of chest pain on radiograph
Mauro Gallitelli1, Pasquale De Chirico
1Hospital "SS. Giovanni e Paolo," Emergency Department, Venice, Italy.
The Western Journal of Emergency Medicine
|January 7, 2012
Abstract:
Although pneumomediastinum (PM) is a cause of chest pain, which can be diagnosed on a plain chest radiograph, emergency physicians frequently miss the diagnosis. As follows a description of findings of PM on a chest radiograph.
Insights
Pneumomediastinum (PM) causes chest pain and is visible on chest X-rays, but emergency physicians often miss this diagnosis. This content describes key radiographic findings for accurate PM diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Radiology
- Thoracic Imaging
Background:
- Pneumomediastinum (PM) is a potential cause of acute chest pain.
- Diagnosis of PM is often made using plain chest radiography.
- Emergency physicians may overlook PM on radiographic imaging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the radiographic findings of pneumomediastinum (PM).
- To improve the diagnostic accuracy of PM in emergency settings.
- To highlight common imaging signs of PM on chest X-rays.
Main Methods:
- Review of chest radiographs demonstrating pneumomediastinum.
- Description of characteristic radiological signs.
- Focus on findings visible on plain chest X-rays.
Main Results:
- Pneumomediastinum presents with specific, identifiable signs on chest radiographs.
- Recognition of these signs aids in timely diagnosis.
- Common findings include (but are not limited to) mediastinal free air.
Conclusions:
- Chest radiography is a crucial tool for diagnosing pneumomediastinum.
- Familiarity with PM radiographic findings can reduce missed diagnoses.
- Improved recognition of PM signs enhances patient care in emergency departments.
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