[Spontaneous pneumomediastinum. Review of eight cases]. / Neumomediastino espontáneo (síndrome de Hamman): una enfermedad benigna mal diagnosticada.

ABSTRACT

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.