[Mediastinal emphysema after thoracotomy (author's transl)]

A mediastinal emphysema was seen via x-ray film in 35 of 40 patients after opening of the mediastinum by longitudinal sternotomy. After about a week it was found in approximately every second patient; after 14 days it had been fully absorbed by all patients. Mediastinal emphysema could occur in conjunction with a cutaneous emphysema, and pneumothorax, respectively. Occasionally a pneumopericardium is seen even in the recumbent patient. Safe diagnosis of mediastinal emphysema is possible in the anterior lower mediastinum projected on to the cardiac silhouette if the x-ray film is taken obliquely.