[Spontaneous pneumomediastinum. Review of eight cases].

BACKGROUND

Hamman syndrome or spontaneous pneumomediastinum is uncommon and its clinical manifestations are chest pain, dyspnea and subcutaneous emphysema.

AIM

To report a series of patients with spontaneous pneumomediastinum.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Medical records of patients with the diagnosis of pneumomediastinum, managed between 2002 and 2007 in a public hospital, were retrieved and reviewed.

RESULTS

Eight patients aged between 16 and 41 years (five males) were identified. The most common symptom was chest pain and the most common sign was subcutaneous emphysema. A chest X ray was performed in all and a chest CT scan in seven. AH were managed conservatively with oxygen, analgesia and rest. No patient required surgery and the evolution was favorable.

CONCLUSIONS

The most common presenting complaint of spontaneous pneumomediastinum is chest pain and its management does not require surgery.