Hamman's sign

Hamman's sign
Synonyms	Mediastinal crunch
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Crunching, rasping sound synchronous with the heartbeat
Complications	Pneumomediastinum, Pneumothorax
Onset	Sudden
Duration	Variable, depending on underlying cause
Types	N/A
Causes	Pneumomediastinum, Pneumothorax, Esophageal rupture
Risks	Trauma, Asthma, Respiratory infection
Diagnosis	Physical examination, Chest X-ray, CT scan
Differential diagnosis	Pericardial friction rub, Pleural friction rub
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Address underlying cause, Oxygen therapy, Analgesics
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Generally good with treatment of underlying cause
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	N/A

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