Spontaneous subcutaneous emphysema in a male toddler in a health facility in Nasarawa state: A case report

Abstract

Background: Spontaneous subcutaneous emphysema (SSE) is a clinical condition in which air escapes into the subcutaneous tissues. It is a rare complication of childhood pneumonia and often occurs with pneumothorax and/or pneumomediastinum. Although the sight of a child with SSE could be frightening, it is mostly benign requiring in most cases supportive care. We report a case of SSE complicating pneumonia in an 18-month-old toddler that was managed conservatively. Case Report: An 18-months-old toddler was admitted with a 5-day history of progressive swelling of the face, scalp, upper limbs, and trunk. He was referred from a peripheral hospital where he was admitted for 5 days with pneumonia and had received antibiotics, intravenous fluid, and oxygen therapy. Clinical evaluation revealed extensive subcutaneous emphysema and right-sided pneumothorax. Antibiotics were optimized and the patient was provided supportive care and monitored for 7 days with complete resolution of the emphysema. Conclusion: SSE could complicate childhood pneumonia but it has a benign course. Effective treatment of underlying pneumonia alongside supportive care will achieve complete resolution.

A case of spontaneous pneumomediastinum, pneumothorax with subcutaneous emphysema in a preschool child

“…In addition, pneumothorax rarely complicates pneumonia in immunocompetent children. 1 Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is an uncommon disorder with an incidence of 0.0025% among emergency room visits, in whom it primarily appears as a complication of thoracic injury, surgical operation or pulmonary infection. 2 The first case series of spontaneous pneumomediastinum was published by Louis Hamman in 1939 and therefore the condition is called Hamman's syndrome.…”

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

“…It can occur as a result of a variety of processes, including trauma, pneumothorax barotrauma, infection, malignancy, or as a complication of surgical interventions [ 3 ]. It may occur in conjunction with pneumothorax or pneumomediastinum [ 4 ]. SE caused by a surgical operation is known as surgical emphysema, and if the cause is unknown, it is known as spontaneous SE [ 5 ].…”