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Published:
Mar 14, 2023Keywords:
surgical emphysema, mediastinal emphysema
Article Details
Issue
Section
Case Report
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Main Article Content
Spontaneous pneumomediastinum in two young women
SR Čačala
C Buckland
P Milligan
GV Oosthuizen
Abstract
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.
