Spontaneous pneumomediastinum due to gastroesophageal reflux disease in an adolescent boy

Abstract

The presence of free air in the mediastinum, without traumatic injury or underlying disease, is known as spontaneous pneumomediastinum. The diagnosis is based on CXR and CT scan. Oesophagography is essential for the exclusion of oesophageal rupture. We present a case of pneumomediastinum in a 17-year-old boy with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and emphasize that the association of pneumomediastinum and symptoms of GERD warrants oesophageal pH monitoring. © 2008 The Authors.