The pneumomediastinum – Case report of a 25-year-old female patient after jumping from a height of approx. 7 metres

ABSTRACT

We report the case of a 25-year-old woman who with suicidal intent jumped from an approx. seven metres high bridge. Computed tomography revealed a fracture of the lumbar vertebrae and fractures of both ankle joints. Although no direct chest trauma existed, radiography revealed a pneumomediastinum as an additional finding. Pneumomediastinum is characterised by the presence of air in the mediastinum and is also called mediastinal emphysema. While its occurrence is rare, cases are most commonly self-limiting and the outcome is good. Some reports emphasise that it may occur more often than it is diagnosed. Thus, if a usual diagnosis for chest pain or dyspnoea could not be found, pneumomediastinum should be considered as well. Pneumomediastinum is also seen in patients with COVID-19-infection. It is assumed that a higher vulnerability of the lung is more likely the reason for the higher incidence in those patients than mechanical ventilation. In this case report, we also describe the pathology of pneumomediastinum to consider it as a potential differential diagnosis in patients without trauma as well. © 2022 DIOmed Verlags GmbH. All rights reserved.