Spontaneous pneumomediastinum in two young women

Abstract

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM) is a rare benign condition which must be differentiated from secondary pneumomediastinum due to chest trauma, abscess formation or Boerhaave's syndrome. We present two young women with SPM due to chronic self-induced vomiting and starvation associated with psychosis and pregnancy-associated vomiting respectively. This report highlights the exclusionary diagnostic pathway, the principles of conservative management and the need for a tailored multidisciplinary approach to enhance patient recovery and prevent future recurrence.