Pneumomediastinum secondary to isolated orbital floor fracture

J Craniofac Surg. 2011 Jul;22(4):1502-3. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0b013e31821d4c25.

Abstract

Pneumomediastinum (PM) secondary to an isolated orbital blow-out fracture is a rare but potentially severe and life-threatening complication. Fortunately, airway obstruction, pneumothorax, pneumopericardium, and mediastinitis are rare complications of PM. Blowing the nose after a maxillofacial trauma increases pressure in the paranasal sinuses, which may lead to emphysema through a breach of the lining mucosa to the surrounding soft tissues in the head, neck, and, on occasions, to the mediastinum. We report here the rare case of a patient with PM after isolated orbital fracture. Only 3 similar cases have been previously reported in the literature.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Accidental Falls
  • Emphysema / etiology
  • Face
  • Facial Pain / etiology
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Mediastinal Emphysema / etiology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Neck / pathology
  • Orbital Fractures / complications*
  • Orbital Fractures / surgery
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures / methods
  • Subcutaneous Emphysema / etiology
  • Surgical Mesh
  • Titanium

Substances

  • Titanium