The Radiological Manifestations of the Aberrant Air Surrounding the Pleura: In the Embryological View

Abstract

The radiological manifestations of the aberrant air surrounding the pleura are varied because of the air outlining the organs in and out of the visceral space. The continuity of the visceral space from the neck, mediastinum to the retroperitoneum is originated from embryological development, which is compatible with the findings through laboratory experiments, cadaveric anatomy, and thoracic computer tomography image. We reviewed the embryo development to understand the anatomy of body cavity, which can determine the radiological findings of pneumomediastinum and pneumothorax.

Pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema in the neck, axilla, and chest regions in a patient with olfactory neuroblastoma treated with chemoradiotherapy

“…The visceral space, which is continuous from the neck and mediastinum to the retroperitoneum originates during embryological development. [3] The visceral pleura overlies both lungs in addition to the organs in the mediastinum and encloses a space known as the visceral cavity. The fascial planes connect cervical soft tissue to the mediastinum and retroperitoneum, and the spaces between the fasciae permit aberrant air arising in any of these areas to spread.…”

“…In patients with pneumomediastinum, air can flow from the peribronchial space to the neck, chest wall, pleural cavity, mediastinum, retroperitoneum, pericardial cavity, pericardial space, and diaphragm. [3] Although the body cavity is further divided into thoracic, abdominal, and pericardial cavities by the pleuroperitoneal and pleuropericardial membranes, the cavities remain continuous throughout the visceral space. [4] A chest X-ray usually detects pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema although better visualization is obtained through CT scan.…”