Acute ventilatory failure from massive subcutaneous emphysema.
A 66-year-old woman developed massive subcutaneous emphysema following intubation. Acute thoracic restriction developed resulting in life-threatening respiratory acidosis. The patient could not be ventilated with conventional means. A tracheostomy was performed to decompress the chest and mediastinum with rapid resolution following. Although ventilatory failure from subcutaneous emphysema is very unusual, decompression with tracheostomy can be life saving.
Conetta
R
R
Department of Medicine, Flushing Hospital Medical Center, NY 11355.
Barman
A A
AA
Iakovou
C
C
Masakayan
R J
RJ
D000208:Acute Disease; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D012121:Respiration, Artificial / Q000009:adverse effects; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D013352:Subcutaneous Emphysema / Q000150:complications* / Q000209:etiology; D014139:Tracheostomy