Hamman's sign

Hamman's sign is a medical term referring to a specific type of crunching, rasping sound, synchronous with the heartbeat, heard over the precordium in spontaneous mediastinal emphysema (pneumomediastinum). It is named after John Hamman, MD, who first described it in 1937.

Causes

Hamman's sign is often associated with pneumomediastinum, which is the presence of air in the mediastinum. This can occur due to a variety of causes, including trauma, lung disease, and certain surgical procedures. It can also occur spontaneously, without any apparent cause.

Clinical significance

The presence of Hamman's sign can be a useful diagnostic clue in patients with chest pain or dyspnea. It is particularly suggestive of pneumomediastinum, especially if the patient has a history of trauma or lung disease. However, it is not always present in patients with pneumomediastinum, and its absence does not rule out this diagnosis.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of Hamman's sign is usually made by physical examination. The physician will listen to the patient's chest with a stethoscope, looking for the characteristic crunching, rasping sound that is synchronous with the heartbeat. Additional tests, such as a chest X-ray or CT scan, may be needed to confirm the diagnosis and determine the underlying cause.

Treatment

The treatment for Hamman's sign is directed at the underlying cause. If pneumomediastinum is present, treatment may include oxygen therapy, pain management, and in severe cases, surgery to remove the air from the mediastinum.

See also

• Pneumomediastinum
• John_Hamman
• Chest_pain
• Dyspnea

References

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