Is primary spontaneous pneumomediastinum a truly benign entity?

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the benignancy of primary spontaneous pneumomediastinum (PSP), and to establish an appropriate management strategy.

Methods: Patients diagnosed with PSP between January 2003 and December 2013 were analysed retrospectively. From January 2013 onwards, a simplified protocol, with consensus for the management of PSP, was applied in our hospital.

Results: In total, 37 patients were identified as having PSP during the study period. Among them, 27 were enrolled prior to applying the new protocol. Among these patients, extra diagnostic tests, in addition to chest radiography (CXR) and chest computed tomography (CT), were performed in 15 patients (55.5%). In the pre-protocol decade, a total of 15 patients (55.5%) were initially fasted and 16 (59.3%) were administered antibiotics. Mean hospital stay was 2.9 days (range, 0-5 days). No patient developed complications during the hospital stay and outpatient follow up. Since the revised protocol was in practical use, 10 consecutive patients with PSP were enrolled and reviewed. No additional diagnostic imaging studies or procedures (except for CXR and chest CT) were performed in these patients; furthermore, diet was not restricted and prophylactic antibiotics were not prescribed. Mean hospital stay was 14.5 h (range, 1-34 h). No complications were observed in any of the patients.

Conclusions: Our management protocol (i.e. routine check of chest CT without any additional diagnostic tests, no special treatment, and early discharge with short-term follow up) may be safe and feasible for the treatment of PSP.

Keywords: mediastinal emphysema; pneumomediastinum; spontaneous pneumomediastinum.