A Rare Differential Diagnosis of Acute Chest Pain after Long-Distance Airplane Flight

Introduction

Chest pain is a common complaint in children and adolescents presenting to primary care and emergency departments. Chest wall pain, musculoskeletal in origin, is the most common cause (Massin MM, Bourguignont A, Coremans C et al. Clin Pediatr 2004; 43: 231 – 238).

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM) is a possible differential diagnosis, triggered by respiratory (Valsalva) maneuvers, certain medical conditions, e. g. asthma and bronchopulmonary infections, and iatrogenic measures (pulmonary function tests).

SPM is a benign and self-limiting condition, in contrast to other, severe and life-threatening diseases, e. g. oesophageal, or tracheal rupture.