Resumen

ALAEZ CH, ANA BELÉN et al. A case of spontaneous pneumomediastinum that simulates a Boerhaave's syndrome. Rev Chil Cir [online]. 2009, vol.61, n.1, pp. 89-91. ISSN 0718-4026.  http://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0718-40262009000100015.

The spontaneous pneumomediastinum is the presence of air inside the mediastinum without a traumatic or iatrogenic reason associated. It is a slightly frequent entity and as the spontaneous pneumotorax it is given especially in young males. In rare occasions it associates to an episode of vomits and in this case it is necessary to make a differential diagnosis with Boerhaave's syndrome because at the first moment the clinic can be similar in both cases. Nevertheless, while the spontaneous pneumomediastinum is quite often to be a benign entity with good prediction, Boerhaave's syndrome has a mortality of 80%-90% if the diagnosis is produced after 24-48 hours.

Palabras llave : Spontaneous pneumomediastinum; subcutaneous emphysema.