Pneumomediastinum in a Heavy Weightlifter

Abstract

The presence of air in the mediastinal cavity (i.e., pneumomediastinum) is an uncommon condition. It is usually precipitated by an event such as penetrating trauma, barotrauma or increased intrathoracic pressure caused by severe vomiting or coughing. We present the case of a 32-year-old man who developed pneumomediastinum as a result of heavy weightlifting.

Learning points: Pneumomediastinum should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute onset shortness of breath and chest pain.Pneumomediastinum can be precipitated without any obvious trauma as in cases of increased coughing/vomiting or heavy weightlifting.It is generally managed conservatively and resolves spontaneously.

Keywords: Pneumomediastinum; weightlifting.

Figure 1

Non-contrast CT scan of the chest showing air in the mediastinal cavity (arrows) epiduritis