Pneumomediastinum after dental surgery.
A previously healthy woman presented with chest pain and cervical swelling several hours after undergoing surgical removal of third molar teeth. Mediastinal and subcutaneous emphysema was demonstrated by chest X-ray. Air had been introduced under the soft tissue flap by the high-speed turbine drill used to remove the alveolar bone, rather than the air/water syringe. Surgical handpieces that vent the air away from the surgical field should be used during such procedures. The mediastinal and subcutaneous air resolved after oxygen administration.
Davies
D E
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Department of Anaesthesia, Mercy Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia.
D000328:Adult; D002637:Chest Pain / Q000209:etiology; D003754:Dental High-Speed Equipment / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004417:Dyspnea / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008478:Mediastinal Emphysema / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D008963:Molar / Q000601:surgery; D011030:Pneumothorax / Q000175:diagnosis; D011859:Radiography; D013352:Subcutaneous Emphysema / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D014081:Tooth Extraction / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation