Pneumorrhachis: An uncommon radiological entity.

Area of Science:

• Medical Case Reports
• Pediatric Pulmonology
• Radiology

Background:

• Pneumorrhachis (PR) involves air within the spinal canal, with diverse causes including trauma, non-traumatic events, and iatrogenic factors.
• Spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM) is a rare condition characterized by air in the chest's mediastinal space, often associated with barotrauma.
• The co-occurrence of SPM and PR, particularly in pediatric cases, is exceptionally uncommon.

Observation:

• A pediatric patient presented with a persistent cough, a common symptom in children.
• The patient subsequently developed spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM).
• Air was observed within the spinal canal, indicating the development of pneumorrhachis (PR).

Findings:

• This case highlights an unusual progression from persistent cough to SPM and subsequent PR in a child.
• The findings underscore the potential, albeit rare, link between pulmonary barotrauma and air tracking into the spinal canal in pediatric patients.
• The diagnostic imaging likely revealed air in both the mediastinum and the spinal canal.

Implications:

• This case expands the understanding of rare complications associated with SPM in pediatric populations.
• It emphasizes the importance of considering PR in pediatric patients with SPM, especially those with respiratory symptoms.
• Further investigation into the mechanisms linking SPM and PR in children may inform clinical management and diagnostic approaches.