Extrapleural air secondary to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis ‐related pneumomediastinum

Extrapleural air is a rare condition that may concurrently develop with pneumomediastinum and pneumothorax, especially in older patients with fragile connective tissues. Coronal reconstruction computed tomography images help in determining how air from pneumomediastinum is related to other conditions such as extrapleural air and pneumothorax. Extrapleural air is very rare, but it should be differentiated from pneumothorax and closely monitored to prevent inadvertent harm. Key messageExtrapleural air is a rare condition that may concurrently develop with pneumomediastinum and pneumothorax, especially in older patients with fragile connective tissues. Physicians should consider extrapleural air to prevent inadvertent harm. Coronal reconstruction computed tomography images help appreciate extrapleural air and recognize the track of extrapulmonary air.

Source: Respirology Case Reports - January 4, 2024 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Yuichi Nagata, Takayasu Watanabe, Yuki Tanabe, Motoyasu Kato, Takehito Shukuya, Kuniaki Seyama, Kazuhisa Takahashi Tags: CLINICAL IMAGE Source Type: research