Spontaneous pneumomediastinum presenting with retropharyngeal emphysema

Abstract

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is a rare condition that may follow increases in intrathoracic pressure. Patients may present with symptoms isolated to the head and neck. Although this condition is usually benign, there are other potentially fatal conditions, which often present similarly and clinically are difficult to differentiate from this entity. Despite this condition being described in the thoracic and medical literature, very little is found in the otolaryngological literature. This article reports 4 cases in which presenting symptoms were limited to the head and neck and otolaryngologists were the initial consultants. This highlights the need for otolaryngologists to be aware of this clinical entity.