Retropharyngeal and cervicofacial subcutaneous emphysema after maxillofacial trauma.
BACKGROUND
Subcutaneous emphysema in the cervical region is a well-documented event that may occur secondary to tonsillectomy, dental treatment, oropharyngeal barotraumas, scaling and root planning therapy, punch biopsy, endotracheal intubation, orthognathic surgery, extraction of impacted teeth, or after maxillofacial trauma. After trauma episodes, subcutaneous emphysema may be caused by a maxillary antral wall fracture that occurs when air pressure is introduced into the fascial planes of the connective tissue. Retropharyngeal emphysema is a severe condition associated with traumatic aerodigestive tract injury and may be associated with life-threatening situations requiring prompt attention and diagnosis in order to prevent serious consequences.


METHODS
We reported a case of cervicofacial and retropharyngeal emphysema in a 54-year-old patient who stated concerns after blowing his nose several times after a traumatic episode involving orbitozygomatic region. During the patient's hospital course, his airway remained stable, and he was discharged from the hospital 7 days later with a prognosis of full recovery, excellent occlusion and facial appearance, and complete resolution of subcutaneous emphysema.
Azenha
Marcelo Rodrigues
MR
Morphology, Stomatology and Physiology Department, University of São Paulo, Av. Do Café, s/n Jd. Monte Alegre, 14040-904, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil. marceloazenha@usp.br
Yamaji
Marco Aurélio Kenichi
MA
Avelar
Rafael Linard
RL
de Freitas
Quitéria Edileusa Resende
QE
Laureano Filho
José Rodrigues
JR
de Oliveira Neto
Patrício José
PJ
D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008440:Maxillary Fractures / Q000150:complications*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009297:Nasal Mucosa / Q000293:injuries; D009333:Neck; D010614:Pharynx; D012912:Sneezing; D013352:Subcutaneous Emphysema / Q000209:etiology*; D015051:Zygomatic Fractures / Q000150:complications*