Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 7, 2026
05:50
International Expert Consensus and Recommendations for Neonatal Pneumothorax Ultrasound Diagnosis and Ultrasound-guided Thoracentesis Procedure
Published on: March 12, 2020
Spontaneous pneumomediastinum: time for consensus
Sonu Sahni1, Sameer Verma, Jinette Grullon
1Department of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, North Shore - Long Island Jewish Health System, New Hyde Park, NY 11040, US.
North American Journal of Medical Sciences
|October 2, 2013
Summary
Spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM) is air in the chest cavity without a clear cause, often presenting as chest pain. Prompt diagnosis and management are crucial due to potential complications.
Area of Science:
- Medicine
- Pulmonology
- Radiology
Background:
- Pneumomediastinum (PM) involves free air in the mediastinum, often indicating serious conditions.
- Spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM) lacks a clear cause and can be misdiagnosed due to vague symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review case series and define clinical scenarios for spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM).
- To emphasize the importance of including SPM in the differential diagnosis for chest pain.
Main Methods:
- A MedLine/PubMED search was conducted for articles with "SPM" in the title.
- Six case series were reviewed to identify common clinical presentations of SPM.
Main Results:
- Chest pain is a common symptom in SPM patients.
- Hamman's crunch was present in only 20% of cases.
- Pre-existing pulmonary diseases increase susceptibility to SPM.
Conclusions:
- Spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM) requires prompt diagnosis and management.
- SPM should be considered in the differential diagnosis for patients with unexplained chest pain.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Pneumothorax-II
Pneumothorax is a medical condition defined by the buildup of air in the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall. This accumulation of air can lead to partial or complete lung collapse, resulting in a range of clinical manifestations. Understanding the clinical presentation and effective management strategies is crucial for healthcare professionals in providing timely and appropriate care to individuals with pneumothorax.
Clinical Manifestations:
Clinical Manifestations:
01:26Pneumothorax-I
A pneumothorax is a condition where air builds up in the space between the lung and the chest wall, causing the lung to collapse. This condition arises when air enters the space between the parietal and visceral pleura, disrupting the negative pressure essential for lung inflation. This can lead to a partial or complete collapse of the lung.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
01:08Pneumothorax II: Pathophysiology
Pneumothorax means the presence of air in the pleural space — the thin potential gap between the visceral and parietal pleura. This condition disrupts the normal pressure balance that keeps the lungs inflated, leading to partial or complete collapse of the affected lung.Normal physiologyUnder normal conditions, the pleural space maintains a slightly negative intrapleural pressure, which keeps the lungs expanded against the chest wall. This negative pressure creates a delicate balance between...
01:26Flail Chest-II
Managing flail chest, a condition characterized by a segment of the chest wall moving independently from the rest of the thoracic cage, requires a comprehensive approach. It includes a thorough assessment of the patient's condition, a diagnostic evaluation to determine the extent of the injury, and the implementation of appropriate medical interventions tailored to the individual's needs.
Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
History:
Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
History:
01:25Pleural Effusion I: Introduction
Pleural effusion is an abnormal fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity, a narrow space between the lungs and the chest wall. It is not a disease per se but rather a symptom or indication of an underlying disease. In normal circumstances, this space contains a small amount of fluid (5 to 15 mL), a lubricant facilitating the non-frictional movement of the pleural surfaces.
There are two main types of pleural effusion: transudative and exudative. They are differentiated using Light's criteria,...
There are two main types of pleural effusion: transudative and exudative. They are differentiated using Light's criteria,...
01:30Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment
Pneumonia poses the potential for numerous complications that warrant consideration. These complications include the following: