Abstract

Pneumomediastinum (PM) is the presence of air in the mediastinum. It is uncommon in children and has multiple possible etiologies. A 14 year old male presented to the emergency department with neck and chest pain for 4 h after eating a Corn chip. On physical exam we elicited a crepitus over the left anterior and lateral cervical areas. Chest and Neck X-rays showed a PM. He was admitted for close monitoring and observation in the pediatric intensive care unit and was discharged after he clinically improved. Management is supportive and complications are possible but rare.