Abstract

FARO, CL et al. Spontaneous pneumomediastinum in two young women. S. Afr. j. surg. [online]. 2022, vol.60, n.4, pp.313-315. ISSN 2078-5151.  https://doi.org/10.17159/2078-5151/SAJS3640.

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM) is a rare benign condition which must be differentiated from secondary pneumomediastinum due to chest trauma, abscess formation or Boerhaave's syndrome. We present two young women with SPM due to chronic self-induced vomiting and starvation associated with psychosis and pregnancy-associated vomiting respectively. This report highlights the exclusionary diagnostic pathway, the principles of conservative management and the need for a tailored multidisciplinary approach to enhance patient recovery and prevent future recurrence.

Keywords : surgical emphysema; mediastinal emphysema.

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