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Article: Subcutaneous emphysema.(TECHNICAL QUERY)
- Article from:
- Radiologic Technology
- Article date:
- March 1, 2006
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2006 American Society of Radiologic Technologists. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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A 19-year-old male patient presented with subcutaneous emphysema, which is free air under the skin covering the chest wall and neck. Crepitus, the crackling sound of air pushing through tissue, could be heard when palpating the patient's throat and neck.
Subcutaneous emphysema is an extreme medical condition, usually caused by a stabbing, gunshot wound, other penetration or possible blunt trauma. An "air leak" also can occur if a chest tube directs air into the subcutaneous tissue or if an endotracheal tube inadvertently ruptures the trachea or bronchi. Gas gangrene, another rare condition, can lead to symptoms of subcutaneous emphysema. Gas gangrene is the ...