Subcutaneous Emphysema
SE itself is often benign, however, its discovery should be a red flag for significant injuries - Yue Jay Lin MD
HWN Suggests
A Case of Subcutaneous Emphysema and Pneumoscrotum Disguised as Angioedema
SE can be a difficult and misleading clinical diagnosis, however, POCUS can rapidly confirm the presence of SE. While SE may obscure POCUS evaluation of the thorax and abdomen, the presence of SE should alert the provider to significant traumatic injuries and possible airway compromise.
Articles of Interest
Subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum during dental treatment
As a rare complication of maxillofacial and dental surgery, subcutaneous emphysema occurs as a result of an influx of air into soft tissue through a surgical defect. Mediastinal emphysema during dental care was first reported in 1900.
Subcutaneous Emphysema and Pneumomediastinum Following Dental Extraction
Subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum have a myriad of etiologies ranging from trauma or infection to post-surgical or even spontaneous origin.1 Although these complications may arise following innocuous dental procedures such as tooth extraction, they are far more rare.
Surgical Emphysema
Ventilation (barotrauma) – change mode and use a more lung protective strategy.
Resources
StatPearls
Subcutaneous emphysema is the de novo generation or infiltration of air underneath the dermal layers of skin. The development of subcutaneous air may be a benign symptom or an indication of a deeper, more concerning pathologic disease state.
