Pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema as the manifestation of emphysematous pyelonephritis.
Pneumomediastinum, a collection of mediastinal air, often results from the rupture of intrathoracic structures. A 41-year-old diabetic woman initially presented with signs of pneumomediastinum and nuchal subcutaneous emphysema, but was finally diagnosed with unilateral emphysematous pyelonephritis. Pneumomediastinum as a presentation in retroperitoneal infection has not been reported previously, which prompts us to discuss its etiology and emphasize the importance of physical examination.
Department of Urology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Chungshan North Road, Taipei 10449, Taiwan.
Yen-Chieh
YC
Wang
Jinn-Ming
JM
Wang
Yung-Chiong
YC
Chow
Allen W
AW
Chiu
Stone
S
Yang
D000328:Adult; D004646:Emphysema / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008478:Mediastinal Emphysema / Q000209:etiology*; D011704:Pyelonephritis / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D013352:Subcutaneous Emphysema / Q000209:etiology*