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. 2016 Jan;17(1):38-40.
doi: 10.5578/ttj.17.1.008. Epub 2015 Nov 20.

Spontaneous Mediastinal Emphysema Associated with the Use of Synthetic Cannabinoid (Bonsai)

Efsun Gonca Uğur Chousein  1 , Sinem İliaz  1 , Merve Nizam  1 , Sakine Öztürk  1 , Emel Çağlar  1
Affiliations

Spontaneous Mediastinal Emphysema Associated with the Use of Synthetic Cannabinoid (Bonsai)

Efsun Gonca Uğur Chousein et al. Turk Thorac J. 2016 Jan.

Abstract

Spontaneous Mediastinal Emphysema (SME), which is a rarely seen case is defined as the detection of free air in the mediastinum without any trauma. Although rare, some cases secondary to drug use have been reported. In this study, two SME cases that developed due to the use of a synthetic cannabinoid known as "bonzai", which has recently become widespread in Turkey, are presented. We would like to emphasize that SME should also be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients who present with the symptoms of chest pain and dyspnea and have a history of drug use.

Keywords: Mediastinal emphysema; drug use; synthetic cannabinoid.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: No conflict of interest was declared by the authors.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
PA chest X-ray: Case 1.
Figure 2. a, b
Figure 2. a, b
Mediastinal emphysema and subcutaneous emphysema in thoracic CT of case 1.
Figure 3
Figure 3
PA chest X-ray: Case 2.
Figure 4. a–d
Figure 4. a–d
Mediastinal emphysema and subcutaneous emphysema in thoracic CT of case 2.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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