Epidurual pneumatosis: a benign complication of benign pneumomediastinum

Eur Respir J. 1995 Oct;8(10):1806-7. doi: 10.1183/09031936.95.08101806.

Abstract

Subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum are well-known complications of barotrauma. There are no fascial barriers between the posterior mediastinum and the retropharyngeal and epidural spaces; thus, air can diffuse freely to the epidural space and produce an epidural pneumatosis. We report a case of epidural pneumatosis caused by a pneumomediastinum following nasotracheal intubation for an attempted suicide. This benign complication of air leakage was easily recognized on computed tomography (CT) scan.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Air
  • Emphysema / diagnostic imaging
  • Emphysema / etiology*
  • Epidural Space* / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mediastinal Emphysema / complications*
  • Mediastinal Emphysema / diagnostic imaging
  • Pneumothorax / complications
  • Pneumothorax / diagnostic imaging
  • Subcutaneous Emphysema / diagnostic imaging
  • Subcutaneous Emphysema / etiology
  • Suicide, Attempted
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed