Demographics:
25 years old, Male
Indication:
Assault
Findings
Chest radiograph
- Lucency along the left aspect of the trachea may be within the esophagus, although pneumomediastinum could have a similar appearance
- Otherwise no acute findings
CT
Chest
- Pneumomediastinum tracking into the neck
- Mild bilateral pulmonary interstitial emphysema
- Trace right pneumothorax
Upper abdomen
- Partially imaged surgical changes of gastric bypass
MSK
- Acute nondisplaced right posterior second and third rib fractures
- Mild anterior height loss of the T10 and T11 vertebral bodies
Diagnosis
Pneumomediastinum
Sample Report
Acute nondisplaced fractures of the right posterior second and third ribs with a trace right pneumothorax.
Pneumomediastinum, which may be a result of central extension of mild bilateral traumatic interstitial emphysema, although tracheobronchial or esophageal injury is not excluded.
Mild anterior wedging of the T10 and T11 vertebral bodies is favored developmental or sequela of remote trauma. However, recommend correlation with point tenderness at these locations.
Discussion