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Patients and methods: Between January 2022 and December 2023, a total of 26 patients (21 males, 5 females; median age: 34 years; range, 18 to 84 years) diagnosed with PM in the emergency department were retrospectively analyzed. Data collected included demographic details, presenting symptoms, imaging studies, laboratory values, hospital stay duration, and 90-day mortality. The patients were categorized as having spontaneous or traumatic PM.

Results: Of the patients, 13 had spontaneous and 13 had traumatic PM. The spontaneous group had a lower median age (39.46 vs. 48.77 years, p=0.218) and lower lactate levels (1.65 vs. 2.44 mmol/L, p=0.031). Chest radiography was used more in spontaneous cases (53.8% vs. 7.7%, p=0.030), while nearly all patients underwent computed tomography (CT) scans. Hospital admission was higher in spontaneous PM (69.2% vs. 23.1%, p=0.020), whereas traumatic PM showed higher referral rates. The 90-day mortality rate was 23.1% in both groups.

Conclusion: Spontaneous and traumatic PM differ in clinical and laboratory features. Higher lactate levels and trauma-related findings suggest more severe disease. The CT remains the primary diagnostic tool. Accurate classification and prompt risk assessment are essential for emergency management.