Rofo 2012; 184(2): 145-147
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1281731
Der interessante Fall

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

A Rare Differential Diagnosis of Acute Chest Pain after Long-Distance Airplane Flight

M. Stenzel, B. Hennig, J. G. Mainz, H.-J. Mentzel
Further Information

Publication History

received: 15.6.2011

accepted: 27.8.2011

Publication Date:
10 October 2011 (online)

Introduction

Chest pain is a common complaint in children and adolescents presenting to primary care and emergency departments. Chest wall pain, musculoskeletal in origin, is the most common cause (Massin MM, Bourguignont A, Coremans C et al. Clin Pediatr 2004; 43: 231 – 238).

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM) is a possible differential diagnosis, triggered by respiratory (Valsalva) maneuvers, certain medical conditions, e. g. asthma and bronchopulmonary infections, and iatrogenic measures (pulmonary function tests).

SPM is a benign and self-limiting condition, in contrast to other, severe and life-threatening diseases, e. g. oesophageal, or tracheal rupture.

Dr. Martin Stenzel

Institut für Diagnostische und Interventionelle Radiologie

Universitätsklinikum Jena

07747 Jena

Germany

Phone:  ++ 49/36 41/93 82 65

Fax:  ++ 49/36 41/93 82 57

Email: martin.stenzel@med.uni-jena.de

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