Subcutaneous emphysema: diagnostic clue in the emergency room |
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Authors: | Milagros Martí de Gracia Félix Guerra Gutiérrez Marta Martínez Virginia Pérez Dueñas |
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Institution: | (1) Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain;(2) Hospital de Valdemoro, Madrid, Spain |
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Abstract: | The objective of this study was to illustrate the wide spectrum of subcutaneous emphysema in the emergency room; to show the
key findings on computed tomography, plain radiographs, and echography; and to discuss the differential diagnoses. Subcutaneous
emphysema is a common finding in emergency department imaging studies. It has a great importance due to its broad casualty,
some of them totally benign, but others potentially lethal. We retrospectively reviewed our database of emergency pathology,
analyzing its origins and associated features. SE was associated to traumatic, iatrogenic, or infectious causes (necrotizing
fasciitis, Fournier gangrene). It also was found associated with thoracic (causing pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum) and
abdominal pathology related to intraperitoneal and retroperitoneal gas. Diagnostic difficulties and differential diagnoses
are emphasized. Radiologists must be aware of abnormal gas in soft tissue because it may be the main or unique sign leading
to an underlying pathology, which can be lethal. |
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Keywords: | Subcutaneous emphysema Trauma injury Computed tomography Gangrene |
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