Abstract :Backgrounds: Pneumomediastinum (PM) is an uncommon event which defined as the presence of free air in the mediastinum.
Methods: We retrospectively examined backgrounds, onset, treatments and outcomes of PM and compared spontaneous and secondary PM.
Results: There were ten and 5 patients in spontaneous and secondary PM. Patients with secondary PM had interstitial pneumonitis, COPD or pneumonia. Every patient of both groups had slender body such as Body Mass Index range 14.2 to 24.2. Spontaneous PM occurred at rest or desk work in 5 of 10 patients. Onset was unknown in 4 of 5 patients of secondary PM. Every patient except early death of both groups was improved by bed rest with or without oxygen therapy in several to 15 days. All 5 patients of secondary group died with coexisting pulmonary illness within 3 months.
Conclusion: Both spontaneous and secondary spontaneous PM are well prognosis, however coexisting illness determine prognosis in secondary PM.