Pneumomediastinum After Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Tube Placement

The incidence of esophageal perforation or confounding mechanisms of pneumomediastinum specifically introduced by the addition of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube insertion to esophagogastroduodenoscopy have not been described, and pneumomediastinum in the absence of esophageal perforation after PEG has not been reported. Typically, pneumomediastinum is an ominous finding, although benign causes exist. We present two cases of post-PEG pneumomediastinum not correlated with esophageal perforation on follow-up imaging. When pneumomediastinum is detected after PEG, appropriate studies should be undertaken to confirm its cause and to determine treatment plans. Further investigation may be warranted to ascertain the true incidence, causes, and clinical significance of post-PEG pneumomediastinum. (C) 2014 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons