Traumatic pneumomediastinum resulting from facial trauma

Pneumomediastinum is an uncommon complication of blunt or penetrating trauma to the head, neck, thorax, or abdomen. Air in the mediastinum can indicate a serious penetrating injury but may also represent a benign finding associated with relatively insignificant neck or facial trauma. We present a case demonstrating the correlation between facial trauma and pneumomediastinum. Echocardiographic and phonocardiographic data are offered as adjuncts in the diagnosis, and were utilized by us. Treatment is directed toward the factors responsible for leakage of air. Only in the rare instance of tension pneumomediastinum are invasive procedures warranted. Our patient, who was treated only with antibiotics, improved.