Imaging Case of the Week 590 Answer

The chest x-ray shows pneumomediastinum. There are vertical streaks of air in the superior mediastinum travelling towards base of the neck.

Aerodigestive tract injury is an important cause to keep in mind. History of dry retching and or vomiting has to be established as Boerhaave’s syndrome (from distal esophageal rupture) is a deadly condition which can be associated with pneumomediastinum.