Subcutaneous emphysema of the neck in infancy: under-recognized presentation of child abuse.
Two cases of subcutaneous emphysema of the neck as a result of abuse in infancy are presented to add to the variety of findings associated with the maltreatment of infants. Pharyngeal perforations as a result of abuse are rare. These cases are presented as a reminder to the attending clinician that although most cases of subcutaneous emphysema may resolve without any complications a detailed examination for the cause should be performed and the history carefully verified.
Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, St Mary's Hospital, London, UK.
Padmanabhan
P
Ramnarayan
Asad
A
Qayyum
Neil
N
Tolley
Simon
S
Nadel
D002649:Child Abuse / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D019838:Neck Injuries / Q000150:complications*; D010614:Pharynx / Q000293:injuries; D013352:Subcutaneous Emphysema / Q000209:etiology*