Spontaneous Pneumomediastinum: Analysis of 11 Cases

OBJECTIVES: The presence of free air in mediastinum is defined as pneumomediastinum. The incidence is between 1/7000-1/32000. In this study, our aim is to discuss our cases with spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM), which has low incidence, in the light of the literature. METHODS: The files of 11 cases who were diagnosed with SPM in pulmonary diseases and thoracic surgery department and followed up and treated in thoracic surgery clinic between 2012-2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients’ age, sex, etiological factors, diagnosis and treatment methods and hospital stay were evaluated. RESULTS: Between the years of 2012-2018, 11 cases with SPM who were not related to trauma were detected. Nine (81.8%) of the patients were male; the median age was 38.5 years. Among the predisposing factors that played a role in the formation of SPM, the most common symptom was dyspnea, while the second most common symptom was coughing seizures. The median duration of hospitalization was 3.8 days, and no mortality was observed. CONCLUSION: Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is a rare clinical condition, especially in young men. SPM treatment can be conservative or surgical.