Spontaneous Pneumomediastinum is Not Associated With Esophageal Perforation: Results From a Retrospective, Case-Control Study in a Pediatric Population.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-2023

Publication Title

Clinical pediatrics

Abstract

What is the optimal management of spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM) and is there a risk of esophageal perforation in patients with SPM? We performed a retrospective case-control study of children through age 21, diagnosed with SPM in one hospital system over 10 years with the primary aim of describing the diagnostic workup, treatment patterns, and clinical outcomes. We hypothesized that SPM is a self-limited disease and is not associated with esophageal injury. Cases were identified using International Classification of Disease codes and excluded for trauma or severe infections. Median age was 16 years, 66% were male (n = 179). Chest radiography was performed in 97%, chest computed tomography (CT) in 33%, and esophagrams in 26%. Follow-up imaging showed resolution in 83% (mean = 17.2 days). SPM was not associated with esophageal perforation. We recommend avoiding CT scans and esophagrams unless there is discrete esophageal concern. Management of SPM should be guided by symptomatology.

Volume

62

Issue

12

First Page

1568

Last Page

1574

DOI

10.1177/00099228231166997

ISSN

1938-2707

PubMed ID

37089060

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