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Spontaneous pneumomediastinum presenting as rhinolalia and chest pain
R W F Breakey1, G Walker, W Oldfield
1Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, 46 High Street, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 1LX, UK. williambreakey@gmail.com
Abstract:
This report discusses a case of spontaneous pneumomediastinum in a 25-year-old medical student. The patient presented with chest pain and a tonal change in voice. Symptoms occurred after an episode of stretching and were exacerbated by coughing. There was no history of underlying respiratory disease and he was a non-smoker. Management was conservative. At the four-week follow-up appointment, bronchoscopy and computed tomography of the thorax demonstrated complete resolution. Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is uncommon, with rhinolalia being a rare presenting feature. It should be considered as a differential diagnosis in patients with chest pain associated with a change in voice. A detailed history may reveal preceding activities associated with raised intrathoracic pressure.
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