1. [Mediastinal emphysema after thoracotomy (author's transl)].
- Author
-
Beeger R, Vogel H, Borchers HD, and Darup I
- Subjects
- Humans, Mediastinal Emphysema diagnostic imaging, Mediastinum diagnostic imaging, Pneumopericardium etiology, Radiography, Remission, Spontaneous, Time Factors, Mediastinal Emphysema etiology, Thoracic Surgery adverse effects
- Abstract
A mediastinal emphysema was seen via x-ray film in 35 of 40 patients after opening of the mediastinum by longitudinal sternotomy. After about a week it was found in approximately every second patient; after 14 days it had been fully absorbed by all patients. Mediastinal emphysema could occur in conjunction with a cutaneous emphysema, and pneumothorax, respectively. Occasionally a pneumopericardium is seen even in the recumbent patient. Safe diagnosis of mediastinal emphysema is possible in the anterior lower mediastinum projected on to the cardiac silhouette if the x-ray film is taken obliquely.
- Published
- 1982