Recurrent spontaneous subcutaneous emphysema of unknown origin: A case report with literature review

A 63-Year-Old Female Presenting to the Emergency Department with Massive Facial Swelling and Dyspnea

“…Subcutaneous emphysema may develop due to different causes, including trauma, pneumothorax, barotrauma, infections, injection injuries, neoplasms, or surgery complication [3]. As also described in the present case, subcutaneous emphysema may occur in association with pneumothorax and/or pneumomediastinum [1].…”

“…Subcutaneous emphysema caused by surgery is also called surgical emphysema. If the underlying process is obscure, it is known as spontaneous subcutaneous emphysema which is a rare condition [3]. Notably, subcutaneous emphysema is not a dangerous condition since air is spontaneously reabsorbed over time.…”

Subcutaneous Emphysema Secondary to the Performance of Positive Air Pressure After a Sharp Object Injury to the Hand: Case Report

“…Other symptoms include sore throat, neck pain, difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath, wheezing, distension, and dysphonia due to compression of the vocal cords. 4 No standardized classification has been reported for severity or extent of emphysema, but Aghajanzadeh classified the severity based on anatomical extension into five grades in 2015:…”

“…On physical examination, the most common finding associated with subcutaneous emphysema is crepitus on palpation, there may be swelling of the abdomen, chest, neck and face, and phonation changes from vocal cord compression can also be present. 1,4 To make a timely diagnosis to determine the cause, allows to provide an appropriate management and prevent complications. A patient with a hand injury who repeatedly opened and closed his hand causing immediate extensive emphysema is presented.…”