Subcutaneous emphysema of the neck and colonic perforation.
Subcutaneous emphysema may result from pathological changes in the thorax or lung, as a result of localised infection with gas producing organisms, after abdominal procedures, or herald an intestinal perforation. The location and spread of extraperitoneal gas is determined by the anatomical barriers and fixed fascial layers surrounding the region of pathological change. The case highlights the extent of extraperitoneal gas after colonic perforation despite minimal clinical features and the importance of intra-abdominal causes of cervical subcutaneous emphysema.
Hunt
I
I
Department of Surgery, Wellington Hospital, Wellington, New Zealand. ianjhunt@hotmail.com
Van Gelderen
F
F
Irwin
R
R
D003108:Colonic Diseases / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007416:Intestinal Perforation / Q000150:complications*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009333:Neck; D013352:Subcutaneous Emphysema / Q000209:etiology*