Pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema due to blunt neck injury: a case report and review of the literature.
Minor blunt neck injury from childhood trauma is a relatively common condition which can be potentially life-threatening in only rare circumstances. Pneumomediastinum may develop in up to 10% patients who have sustained blunt cervical or thoracic trauma and may be a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in affected individuals because of the associated damage to the oesophagus, larynx or trachea. Management of this condition varies from conservative approach with close observation and antibiotherapy to surgical interventions, depending on the extent and severity of aerodigestive injuries. We present a paediatric blunt neck trauma accompanied by subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum secondary to a bicycle accident (neck striking the handlebar). Its radiologic appearance, clinical presentation, and the options for initial management in the emergency department (ED) are reviewed.
Department of Emergency Medicine Medical Faculty, Harran University, Sanliurfa, Turkey.
Ozgur
O
Sogut
Muazzez
M
Cevik
Mehmet Emin
ME
Boleken
Halil
H
Kaya
Mehmet Akif
MA
Dokuzoglu
D000082:Acetaminophen / Q000008:administration & dosage; D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008478:Mediastinal Emphysema / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D008480:Mediastinitis / Q000517:prevention & control; D019838:Neck Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy; D013352:Subcutaneous Emphysema / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014132:Trachea / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging
D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000082:Acetaminophen