Pneumomediastinum physical examination

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Trusha Tank, M.D.[2]

Overview

In spontaneous pneumomediastinum, the patient appears normal. Patient with pneumomediastinum secondary to an exacerbation of asthma may appear distressed. On physical examination, the most pathognomic sign of pneumomediastinum is Hamman's sign, which is mediastinal crunch or click present on auscultation over the cardiac apex and the left sternal border synchronous with the heartbeat. Subcutaneous emphysema can also be detected in a patient with pneumomediastinum.

Physical Examination

Important physical exam finding includes:

• Subcutaneous emphysema(