Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Publication Date
5-2022
Abstract
Purpose: We hypothesized that esophageal perforation is not a common etiology for spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM), and that SPM is a self-limited disease not requiring routine admission. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of patients, ages 0 to 21 years, diagnosed with SPM in one hospital system (five hospitals) from 2009 – 2019. Cases were identified using ICD9 and 10 codes and confirmed through chart review. Cases were excluded for trauma, severe infections, or subsequent development of SPM after admission for a separate diagnosis. Data regarding patient characteristics, diagnostic tests, and outcomes were collected, and summary statistics were performed. Results: We identified 180 cases for inclusion and analysis. The median age at diagnosis was 16 years, and 66% were male. The most common presenting symptom was chest pain (58%), followed by cough (45%), shortness of breath (43.9%), vomiting (22.2%) and neck pain (19%). Only 14 patients (7.8%) complained of difficulty swallowing. Asthma was the most common underlying condition noted (32.8%). Chest radiography was performed in 97% of patients. 33% of patients underwent a chest computed tomography (CT), and 46 (26%) underwent an esophagram. There were no esophageal perforations noted in this cohort and no interventions specifically for pneumomediastinum. A patient required intubation for asthma exacerbation and underwent a tube thoracostomy for a pneumothorax post-intubation.122 patients were admitted with a median length of stay of 1.60 days. Outpatient follow-up imaging showed resolution in 81% (17.2 days) and improvement in 17% (12.5 days). Conclusion: In our series, SPM was not associated with esophageal perforation and did not require specific intervention. We recommend avoiding CT scans and esophagrams unless there is discrete concern about the esophagus from the history. Admissions for SPM should be based on symptomatology and patient status, rather than the presence of SPM alone.
Recommended Citation
Roby K, Barkach C, Studzinski D, Akay B, Brahmamdam P. Spontaneous pneumomediastinum in children is not associated with esophageal perforation. American Pediatric Surgical Association Annual Meeting (APSA); 2022 May; San Diego, CA and at the Michigan Chapter of the American College of Surgeons Annual Meeting. 2022 May; Traverse City, MI.
Included in
Critical Care Commons, Laboratory and Basic Science Research Commons, Pediatrics Commons, Surgery Commons
Comments
American Pediatric Surgical Association Annual Meeting (APSA), San Diego, CA, May 2022.
Michigan Chapter of the American College of Surgeons Annual Meeting, Traverse City, MI, May 2022.