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Pneumomediastinum: an unusual complication of acute gastrointestinal disease

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Abstract

Atraumatic or primary pneumomediastinum is an uncommon complication of severe retching and vomiting associated with acute gastrointestinal disorders. In two cases pneumomediastinum was the presenting radiographic abnormality; one patient presented with acute gastroenteritis, and the other presented with duodenal obstruction due to hematoma. The pathogenesis of pneumomediastinum in these patients is presented.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, Box 3834, 27710, Durham, North Carolina, USA

    W. W. Woodruff III, D. F. Merten & D. R. Kirks

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  1. W. W. Woodruff III
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  2. D. F. Merten
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  3. D. R. Kirks
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Woodruff, W.W., Merten, D.F. & Kirks, D.R. Pneumomediastinum: an unusual complication of acute gastrointestinal disease. Pediatr Radiol 15, 196–198 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02388612

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02388612

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