title: Retroperitoneal perforation of the appendix presenting as subcutaneous emphysema of the thigh.
abstract: Retroperitoneal abscesses may develop insidiously, resulting in delayed diagnosis with significant morbidity and mortality. Subcutaneous emphysema of the thigh may be a late manifestation of this process, and often heralds a poor prognosis because of associated myonecrosis and fulminant sepsis. The presentation and clinical course of such a patient is summarized, and the relevant anatomy of the retroperitoneal spaces that predisposes to this condition is described.
mesh_terms: D000038:Abscess / Q000150:complications; D000368:Aged; D001064:Appendicitis / Q000150:complications*; D004646:Emphysema / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007416:Intestinal Perforation / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D012187:Retroperitoneal Space; D012422:Rupture, Spontaneous; D013352:Subcutaneous Emphysema / Q000209:etiology*; D013848:Thigh