Spontaneous pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema after masturbation

Abstract

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is a rare condition that mostly affects young men and generally follows a benign and self-limiting course. In contrast to secondary pneumomediastinum, which is caused by trauma, iatrogenic intervention or esophageal perforation, spontaneous pneumomediastinum is triggered by violent coughing, excessive vomiting, strenuous physical exercise or Valsalva maneuver. It results from an abrupt increase in intrathoracic pressure leading to alveolar rupture and air leak along the tracheobronchial tree into the mediastinal cavity. Extended spontaneous pneumomediastinum goes along with subcutaneous emphysema of the chest, neck or head. We present a case of a healthy young man who developed pneumomediastinum and profound subcutaneous emphysema with onset during masturbation. Since there is no literature on spontaneous pneumomediastinum associated with autoerotic experiences, we consider our case an unusual presentation of this entity.

Keywords: Autoeroticism; Masturbation; Mediastinal emphysema; Sexual activity; Spontaneous pneumomediastinum; Subcutaneous emphysema.

Fig. 1

CT Chest frontal mediastinal.

Fig. 2

CT Chest frontal paravertebral.

Fig. 3

CT Chest axial mediastinal.

Fig. 4

CT Head axial.