Pneumomediastinum by Blunt Chest Trauma (The Macklin Effect) / 대한흉부외과학회지

ABSTRACT

Pneumomediastinum, also referred to as mediastinal emphysema or Hamman's syndrome, is defined as the presence of air or gas within the fascial planes of the mediastinum. Superior extension of air into the cervicofacial subcutaneous space via communications between the mediastinum and cervical fascial planes or spaces occurs occasionally. Pneumomediastinum frequently results from blunt tracheobronchial lesions and esophageal injuries. However, in most cases, the origin of pneumomediastnum remains unclear. In some cases, it is attributed to the Macklin effect. We report a case of patient with pneumomediastinum, that presented with Mackin effect on chest computed tomographic scan.