Subcutaneous emphysema in advanced cancer.
Spontaneous subcutaneous emphysema is a rare and usually benign entity that may occasionally be symptomatic. We report a case of a patient with advanced cancer who developed extensive but asymptomatic subcutaneous emphysema shortly before death. Perforation of the lower gastrointestinal tract, perhaps as a result of straining due to severe unrelieved constipation or due to fistula formation, is suspected to have been the mechanism. The causes, treatment, and implications for management of this condition are discussed.
Chu
S
S
Department of Medical Oncology and Palliative Care, Westmead Hospital, New South Wales, Australia.
Glare
P
P
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000150:complications*; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*; D003248:Constipation / Q000150:complications; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic; D013352:Subcutaneous Emphysema / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*