Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 20, 2025

Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition
Published on: March 3, 2023
Rare Association of Pneumomediastinum With Bilateral Pneumothorax
Noman Saleem1, Rabia Saleem2, Zara Saleem3
1Department of Forensic Medicine, Sahiwal Medical College, Sahiwal, PAK.
Insights
Pneumomediastinum with bilateral pneumothorax, a rare condition, can result from trauma. This case highlights conservative management for a young male following a road traffic accident.
Area of Science:
- Thoracic Surgery
- Trauma Surgery
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Pneumomediastinum with bilateral pneumothorax is a rare clinical entity.
- It can stem from infections, malignancy, or trauma.
- Trauma-related cases may involve esophageal, laryngeal, or tracheal injuries.
Observation:
- A 16-year-old male presented with shortness of breath and chest bruising post-road traffic accident.
- Initial chest X-ray suggested pneumomediastinum.
- Bilateral chest tube thoracotomy was performed.
Findings:
- Computed tomography (CT) of the chest confirmed pneumomediastinum and bilateral pneumothorax.
- The patient's injuries were managed conservatively.
- The patient was discharged after 10 days.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of diagnostic imaging, like CT scans, in identifying pneumomediastinum and pneumothorax after trauma.
- Conservative management can be a viable option for select patients.
- Prompt diagnosis and appropriate intervention are crucial for favorable outcomes in traumatic thoracic injuries.
Abstract:
Pneumomediastinum with bilateral pneumothorax is a clinical entity caused by infections, malignancy, or trauma, as in our case. Some patients present with pneumomediastinum secondary to trauma have esophageal, laryngeal, or tracheal injuries. A 16-year-old boy presented in the emergency department with complaints of shortness of breath and bruise on the chest after a history of the road traffic accident. Bilateral chest tube thoracotomy was done. Pneumomediastinum was suspected on X-ray chest and confirmed on computed tomography of the chest, which showed bilateral pneumothorax with pneumomediastinum. The patient was conservatively managed and discharged after 10 days.
More Related Videos
05:50International Expert Consensus and Recommendations for Neonatal Pneumothorax Ultrasound Diagnosis and Ultrasound-guided Thoracentesis Procedure
Published on: March 12, 2020
06:15Protocol and Guidelines for Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Diagnosing Neonatal Pulmonary Diseases Based on International Expert Consensus
Published on: March 6, 2019
Related Concept Videos
Pneumothorax-II
Clinical Manifestations:
Pneumothorax-I
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
Pneumonia I: Introduction
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Pleura of the Lungs
Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment
Respiratory System Abnormal Finding I: Inspection and Percussion
Inspection Findings
During an inspection, several findings may suggest the presence of respiratory distress or disease. Pursed-lip breathing, where exhalation is slowed by...