Tuberc Respir Dis.  2015 Oct;78(4):360-362. 10.4046/trd.2015.78.4.360.

Spontaneous Pneumomediastinum: An Unusual Pulmonary Complication in Anorexia Nervosa

• Lee KJ
• Yum HK
• Park IN

• KMID: 2320706
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4046/trd.2015.78.4.360

Abstract

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum (PM) is an uncommon condition in which free air enters the mediastinum. This usually occurs either through esophageal tears after vigorous vomiting, or after alveolar rupture subsequent to a rapid increase in intra-alveolar pressure. Spontaneous PM is a rare entity in anorexia nervosa (AN) and self-induced vomiting is often the cause of PM in patients with AN. We experienced a case of spontaneous PM in an anorexic adolescent, in whom vomiting was not the cause of PM.

Keyword

Anorexia Nervosa; Mediastinal Emphysema; Subcutaneous Emphysema

MeSH Terms

Adolescent
Anorexia Nervosa*
Anorexia*
Diethylpropion
Humans
Mediastinal Emphysema*
Mediastinum
Rupture
Subcutaneous Emphysema
Tears
Vomiting
Diethylpropion