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Article: Subcutaneous emphysema in a 61-year-old man: subcutaneous emphysema can have many different causes--a challenge because a precise diagnosis and correction of underlying pathology are required for proper treatment.(Disease/Disorder overview)(Case study)
- Article from:
- JAAPA-Journal of the American Academy of Physicians Assistants
- Article date:
- February 1, 2006
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2006 Haymarket Media, Inc. 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 61-year-old black man arrived at the emergency department complaining of right-sided chest pain, dyspnea, and cough over the prior 12 hours. He described the pain as constant and nonradiating. He denied vomiting, chills, sore throat, and dysphagia. The patient had no significant medical history, was not taking any medications, and had no known allergies to medications, food, dye, or latex. He was employed as an asphalt paver, lived with his girlfriend, and had a long smoking history.
Physical examination The patient was awake, alert, and in mild respiratory distress. BP was 156/70 mm Hg; heart rate, 101 beats per minute; respirations, 14 breaths per minute; and ...