title: Extensive Subcutaneous Emphysema as a Presentation of Ischemic Colitis.
abstract: Introduction. Subcutaneous emphysema is usually benign and self-limited; however, it may be associated with a life-threating situation. Case Report. An elderly woman with progressive malaise with extensive subcutaneous emphysema (cervical to abdominal wall) was observed at the emergency department. Colonic perforation was diagnosed and the patient underwent surgery. Intraoperatively, necrosis and perforation of the sigmoid colon into the retroperitoneum were found and a Hartmann procedure was performed. Conclusion. Cervical and thoracic subcutaneous emphysema may be the first sign of intra-abdominal lesion.
authors.affiliation: Department of General Surgery, Hospital of Braga, 4710-243 Braga, Portugal ; Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal ; ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal.
authors.forename: Ana Franky
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: Carvalho
authors.affiliation: Department of General Surgery, Hospital of Braga, 4710-243 Braga, Portugal.
authors.forename: Claudio
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Branco
authors.affiliation: Department of General Surgery, Hospital of Braga, 4710-243 Braga, Portugal ; Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal ; ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal.
authors.forename: Pedro
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Leão
authors.affiliation: Department of General Surgery, Hospital of Braga, 4710-243 Braga, Portugal.
authors.forename: Conceição
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Antunes