Spontaneous pneumomediastinum in children.

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is defined as a non-traumatic mediastinal air leak in patients without underlying lung disease. In children it is rarely diagnosed but is likely to be often missed. We have made a comprehensive review of the literature on spontaneous pneumomediastinum in children. The aetiopathogenesis, incidence, clinical features, diagnosis and treatment are discussed. We suggest that spontaneous pneumomediastinum in children is underdiagnosed.