What condition occurs when air is trapped around the heart?

Mediastinal emphysema occurs when air leaks into the mediastinum, the central compartment of the thoracic cavity that contains the heart, great vessels, trachea, esophagus, and other structures. This situation may arise from trauma, rupture of the airways, or certain medical conditions, leading to air being trapped around the heart and potentially compromising cardiovascular function.

This condition can be serious, as the presence of air in the mediastinum can exert pressure on the heart and major blood vessels, impacting their function and leading to symptoms such as chest pain or difficulty breathing. Only medical evaluation can confirm the presence of this condition and determine the best course of action for treatment.

It is important to understand the distinctions between similar-sounding conditions. For instance, pneumothorax pertains to air in the pleural space around the lungs, subcutaneous emphysema involves air trapped beneath the skin, and an air embolism occurs when air enters the bloodstream and can lead to blockage in blood vessels. These conditions do not involve air trapped specifically around the heart in the mediastinal area.