Alessandro Porta, Giancarlo Ghiselli, Emilio Mevio, Massimo Dello Russo and Luciana Parola
Spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM) is an uncommon disease defined by the presence of free air in the mediastinal cavity. Its pathogenesis is characterized by all the processes that cause a sudden increase of intrathoracic pressure. Triggering factors are: lower airway infections, asthma, esophageal rupture, foreign body aspiration and diabetic ketoacidosis. When a cause is not found, SPM is defined idiopathic. The abnormal presence of air in mediastinum can cause subcutaneous emphysema (SE) in the neck and upper part of the thorax. The aim of this report was to describe a patient with an underlying genetic disorder (Pierre Robin syndrome) and SPM with consequent SE. A multidisciplinary approach in our Accident and Emergency department was important for the right management.
