Hamman's syndrome

Hamman's Syndrome

Hamman's Syndrome (pronounced: HAH-mans SIN-drome), also known as Hamman's Crunch or Hamman's Sign, is a rare medical condition characterized by spontaneous subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum. It is named after the American physician, Louis Hamman, who first described the condition in 1939.

Etymology

The term "Hamman's Syndrome" is derived from the name of its discoverer, Louis Hamman, an American physician. The term "syndrome" is derived from the Greek word "syndromē", which means "concurrence of symptoms" or "running together".

Symptoms

The primary symptom of Hamman's Syndrome is a crunching or crackling sound, known as crepitus, that synchronizes with the heartbeat. This sound is best heard over the precordium during auscultation. Other symptoms may include chest pain, dyspnea (shortness of breath), and cough.

Causes

Hamman's Syndrome is typically caused by a sudden increase in intrathoracic pressure, which can occur during activities such as vomiting, childbirth, intense physical exertion, or even severe bouts of coughing. This pressure can cause alveolar rupture, leading to the release of air into the mediastinum and subcutaneous tissues.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Hamman's Syndrome is primarily based on clinical symptoms and physical examination. Radiographic imaging, such as a chest X-ray or CT scan, can confirm the presence of air in the mediastinum and subcutaneous tissues.

Treatment

Treatment for Hamman's Syndrome is typically conservative, focusing on managing symptoms and monitoring the patient. In severe cases, or if the condition is caused by an underlying disease or condition, additional treatment may be necessary.

Related Terms

• Subcutaneous Emphysema
• Pneumomediastinum
• Crepitus
• Louis Hamman

See Also

• List of Medical Syndromes
• List of Eponyms in Medicine

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Hamman's syndrome
• Wikipedia's article - Hamman's syndrome

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