Sore throat as the herald of spontaneous pneumomediastinum

Pediatr Pulmonol. 2024 Mar;59(3):782-783. doi: 10.1002/ppul.26822. Epub 2023 Dec 13.

Abstract

This report emphasizes the need of investigating spontaneous pneumomediastinum in adolescent patients who have unusual respiratory symptoms by describing a rare case of it in a 16-year-old guy. Although the first symptom exhibited resemblance to common respiratory infections, a full physical assessment disclosed important markers, eventually establishing the diagnosis by imaging. Medical workers should consider spontaneous pneumomediastinum as a possible diagnosis, especially when symptoms overlap with those of more common illnesses, as illustrated by this example. Detecting subtle clinical signs, such as the presence of palpable crepitus in the neck area, can greatly aid in the timely and accurate diagnosis of medical disorders, reducing the chances of incorrect diagnoses and ensuring appropriate treatment. Our work significantly contributes to the understanding and awareness of spontaneous pneumomediastinum in pediatric patients, with the ultimate aim of improving patient treatment.

Keywords: emphysema; pediatric; pneumomediastinum.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mediastinal Emphysema* / diagnostic imaging
  • Mediastinal Emphysema* / etiology
  • Pharyngitis* / complications
  • Respiratory Tract Infections*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed