This is the case of a patient with a history of blunt chest trauma associated with
subcutaneous emphysema and pneumothorax. The patient complained of inspiratory stridor
at the presentation.
Anatomical relations can be explained by pathophysiological processes. 49-year-old man admitted to trauma service 10 hours after blunt chest trauma. Initial presentation included respiratory failure with respiratory rate 26 beats per minute, pulse 110 beats per minute, blood pressure 150/80 mm Hg. He complained of dysphonia and swelling of the face. Medical examination showed dyspnea and inspiratory crepitation show subcutaneous emphysema
face, neck and upper chest. Pharyngeal examination
showed swollen mucosa crepitation on palpation (Fig.
). Chest X-ray indicated a large subcutaneous emphysema apparently partly in the group >> << muscles in the upper chest wall, but no obvious pneumothorax (Fig.
). Computed tomography of the chest confirmed the subcutaneous emphysema and submucosal
with the pharynx. He also showed obvious pnevmomediastinuma related
left pneumothorax from broken ribs (Fig.
s). Physical examination and bronchoscopy excluded laryngotracheal mucosal break. The patient remains dyspneic after placement of chest tube. Twenty 4:00 later,
breath dyspnea, dysphonia, and submucosal emphysema decided. Subcutaneous emphysema
resolved within 4 days. Recovering patients proceeded without complications. Subcutaneous emphysema can occur in critically ill patients after blunt trauma >> << chest and resulting pressure gradient between the intra-alveolar and perivascular interstitial space
[
]. Radiograph of the chest can not be excluded pneumothorax or pnevmomediastinuma. CT
often necessary to evaluate these conditions. Fauces subcutaneous emphysema
has been described with surgery or spontaneous rupture of the oropharynx or
bronchial mucosa [
]. Association of submucosal emphysema with pneumothorax rarely. However, anatomical >> << correlation between fascial planes of neck region, mediastinum, retroperitoneal space and
could explain this relationship
[] (Fig. a). The authors have no financial or personal relationships with other people >> << or lasix fluid pill organizations that could improperly influence (bias) their work. Examples
potential conflicts of interest include work, counseling, shareholdings,
fees paid to expert opinion, patent applications / registrations, and grants or
other funding sources. Both authors contribute to the writing of the manuscript. The authors have received permission from the patient to display images and pictures
in scientific journals. .