Acta Chir Belg
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A case of pneumomediastinum following a minor blunt thoracic trauma is presented. As no underlying organic lesion could be found, the pathophysiology must have been that of a spontaneous pneumomediastinum, i.e. alveolar rupture with subsequent dissection of air along the bronchovascular sheats to the mediastinum. ⋯ With regard to the treatment it seems most important not to be too aggressive, because spontaneous pneumomediastinum is a benign and self-limiting condition. Spontaneous regression within a week can be expected.