Traumatic epidural emphysema.
METHODS
This is a case report.


OBJECTIVE
A rare case of epidural emphysema secondary to traumatic pneumomediastinum in the absence of pneumothorax is reported.


BACKGROUND
Epidural air secondary to traumatic pneumomediastinum in the absence of pneumothorax has only been reported previously by Willing. Other causes of traumatic epidural emphysema include pneumothorax, pelvic fracture, dural enteric fistula, and herniation of a spinal disc.


METHODS
A young man who sustained blunt cervical and chest trauma after a basketball game accident was found to have pneumomediastinum and surgical emphysema on a chest radiograph and underwent computed tomography (CT).


RESULTS
The CT scan demonstrated surgical emphysema, pneumomediastinum, and epidural emphysema with no pneumothorax. The patient was managed conservatively, and the epidural emphysema and pneumomediastinum resolved spontaneously.


CONCLUSIONS
Epidural emphysema secondary to traumatic pneumomediastinum is benign and self-limiting. However, the life-threatening causes should be considered and ruled out.
Goh
Brian K P
BK
Department of General Surgery, Changi General Hospital, Singapore. bsgkp@hotmail.com
Ng
Kok-Kit
KK
Hoe
Michael N Y
MN
D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001490:Basketball / Q000293:injuries*; D004824:Epidural Space / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000293:injuries*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008478:Mediastinal Emphysema / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D011859:Radiography; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents