Spontaneous pneumomediastinum

Introduction: Pneumomediastinum or Hamman syndrome usually appears in young males; any condition provoking Valsalva maneuvers can be a predisposing factor. Clinical case: We report an 18 years old male admitted to the emergency room for polydipsia, polyphagia, malaise, profuse vomiting and chest pain. A diabetic ketoacidosis was diagnosed and a chest X ray film showed a pneumomediastinum. The patient was compensated metabolically and an esophageal X ray examination discarded esophageal perforation. He was discharged in good conditions seven days after admission.