| Pneumomediastinum | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Mediastinal emphysema |
 | |
| A CT scan showing air in the mediastinum | |
Pneumomediastinum (from Greek pneuma – "air", also known as mediastinal emphysema)[1] is pneumatosis (abnormal presence of air or other gas) in the mediastinum, the central part of the chest cavity. First described in 1819 by René Laennec,[2][3] the condition can result from physical trauma or other situations that lead to air escaping from the lungs, airways, or bowel into the chest cavity. In underwater divers it is usually the result of pulmonary barotrauma.[1]
- ^ a b "Travelers Medical Guide: Glossary". dan.org. Retrieved 28 September 2022.
- ^ Laënnec RTH. De l’auscultation médiate ou Traité du Diagnostic des Maladies des Poumon et du Coeur. 1st ed. Paris: Brosson & Chaudé; 1819.
- ^ Roguin A (2006). "Rene Theophile Hyacinthe Laënnec (1781-1826): the man behind the stethoscope". Clinical Medicine & Research. 4 (3): 230–5. doi:10.3121/cmr.4.3.230. PMC 1570491. PMID 17048358.