scholarly journals Subcutaneous Emphysema, Pneumomediastinum, and Pneumorrhachis after Cocaine Inhalation

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tuğba Atmaca Temrel ◽  
Alp Şener ◽  
Ferhat İçme ◽  
Gül Pamukçu Günaydın ◽  
Şervan Gökhan ◽  
...  

Introduction. The most prominent complications of cocaine use are adverse effects in the cardiovascular and central nervous systems. Free air in the mediastinum and subcutaneous tissue may be observed less frequently, whereas free air in the spinal canal (pneumorrhachis) is a very rare complication of cocaine abuse. In this report we present a case of pneumorrhachis that developed after cocaine use.Case. A 28-year-old male patient was admitted to the emergency department with shortness of breath, chest pain, and swelling in the neck and face which started four hours after he had sniffed cocaine. On physical examination, subcutaneous crepitations were felt with palpation of the jaw, neck, and upper chest area. Diffuse subcutaneous emphysema, pneumomediastinum, and pneumorrhachis were detected in the computed tomography imaging. The patient was treated conservatively and discharged uneventfully.Discussion. Complications such as pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, and pneumoperitoneum that are associated with cocaine use may be seen due to increased intrathoracic pressure. The air then may flow into the spinal canal resulting in pneumorrhachis. Emergency physicians should know the possible complications of cocaine use and be prepared for rare complications such as pneumorrhachis.

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 78-80
Author(s):  
Vivek Sasindran ◽  
Vijay Stephen ◽  
Lakshana Deve

ABSTRACT Background Tonsillectomy is one of the most common surgical procedures performed worldwide. However, it can potentially be associated with several complications. One of the very rare complications post-tonsillectomy in adults is subcutaneous emphysema, as in our case here. Although, most reported cases are resolved spontaneously, it may lead to fatal complications, like tension pneumothorax. Case report Tonsillectomy was performed on an adult patient with history of frequent tonsillitis. The patient developed facial subcutaneous emphysema 48 hours after the surgery (evident by clinical and radiological examination) that resolved within 2 days without further complications. Conclusion Tonsil should be removed along with tonsilar capsule. If tonsillectomy causes deeper than usual mucosal tear up to the level of the muscles, then air might pass into the subcutaneous tissue through the tonsillar fossa and superior constrictor muscle into fascial layers of neck. Emphysema can then spread to parapharyngeal, retropharyngeal spaces and mediastinum with its related morbidity. Though a rare complication, all otorhinolaryngologists must be aware of this complication and its management. How to cite this article Abraham SS, Stephen V, Deve L, Kurien M. Subcutaneous Emphysema Secondary to Tonsillectomy. Int J Otorhinolaryngol Clin 2015;7(2):78-80.


2020 ◽  
pp. 074880682094790
Author(s):  
Jia Y. Lim ◽  
Muhammad Umair Javed ◽  
Wiktor Pilch ◽  
Abdullah Ibrahim ◽  
Jack Harbison

Subcutaneous emphysema refers to the abnormal presence of free gas within the subcutaneous tissue. Its cause can be broadly classified into 3 main causes: (1) infection by gas-forming microorganisms, (2) visceral perforation of luminal organs, and (3) spontaneous alveolar rupture. We report a case of a 48-year-old lady who developed extensive subcutaneous emphysema after undergoing VASER-assisted liposuction and J-Plasma® therapy at a local cosmetic clinic. The patient was admitted to our tertiary plastic surgery department where she was managed conservatively and discharged at day 3 without any complications. Subcutaneous emphysema is a known but rare complication of liposuction. While subcutaneous emphysema is usually self-limiting, fatal complications can occur. As such, patients considering these procedures should be informed of its risks and benefits to allow them to make an informed decision. This report highlights the importance of meticulous surgical technique in liposuction and its postoperative assessment.


2010 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 118-120
Author(s):  
Maija Radzina ◽  
Andris Laganovskis ◽  
Mara Tirane ◽  
Ligita Zvaigzne ◽  
Peteris Prieditis ◽  
...  

Multislice Computed Tomography Imaging of Diverticultis Complication: Colovenous FistulaAcute colon pathology as diverticulitis is a frequent and important gastrointestinal disease, but the clinical diagnosis is often difficult to state. Several radiological studies have been used to assist in the diagnosis of acute diverticulitis (e.g. barium enema, ultrasound, and computed tomography (CT). Colovenous fistula is a rare complication of diverticulitis. We have analyzed MSCT imaging role in evaluation of such complicated form of diverticular disease.


2013 ◽  
Vol 98 (3) ◽  
pp. 254-258 ◽  
Author(s):  
Satoshi Yoneyama ◽  
Takehito Kato ◽  
Tetsuya Yumoto ◽  
Masami Ohwada ◽  
Toru Terashima ◽  
...  

Abstract An 85-year-old woman with no history of abdominal surgery complained of abdominal pain and vomiting and was referred to us with a diagnosis of intestinal obstruction a few days later. Upon admission to our facility, she presented with marked abdominal swelling and prominent kyphosis. Because of the kyphosis, most of the dilated bowel was compressing her thoracic cavity. No obvious strangulation or free air was observed via abdominal computed tomography imaging. We attempted decompression using a nasogastric tube, but the symptoms persisted. Surgery was performed 2 days after admission. The origin of the obstruction was a compression of the ileocecal region by the costal arch. The bowel was discolored, and thus surgically excised. There were no major postsurgical complications other than a mild wound infection. Until now, there have been no reports of advanced kyphosis inducing ileus, but there are concerns of an increase in similar cases as society continues to age.


2016 ◽  
Vol 64 (3) ◽  
pp. 823.3-824
Author(s):  
C Rives ◽  
M Pourmorteza ◽  
E Carter ◽  
M Young

Purpose of StudyColonoscopies are a relatively safe and are associated with few complications. We present a rare case of post-colonoscopy polypectomy resulting in a pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema.Methods UsedAn 84 year old male with a history of colonoscopy with polypectomy the day prior was admitted due to a syncopal episode. The only complaint was a small amount of dark red blood per rectum. On examination vital signs were stable, the patient appeared pale with dry membrane mucosa, abdominal and pulmonary exam were benign, labs were concerning for a Hgb 6.9 g/dl. Chest X-ray depicted free air beneath the right hemidiaphragm, computed tomography demonstrated pneumoretroperitoneum, pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema. Visceral angiogram failed to demonstrate any source of active bleeding. Due to the overall stable condition of the patient conservative management with prophylactic zosyn and transfusion of 2 units of packed red blood cells was initiated. Patient was discharged 5 days after admission with stable respiratory and hemodynamic signs.Summary of ResultsDiagnostic colonoscopies are relatively safe procedures with the most common complications being bleeding and perforations, with an incidence of less than .2%. Though perforations are rare they are associated with a high mortality and morbidity. Causes of perforation can be due to excessive insufflations, instrumental trauma and usually present with intra-abdominal free air but rarely with a pneumomediastinum. A pneumomediastinum is the presence of free air within the mediastinum and in our case was due to a micro-perforation from a colonic polypectomy. The colonic wall defect allowed free air into the retroperitoneum, which spread along the fascial planes and entered the mediastinum and subcutaneous tissues. The most sensitive test for pneumomediastinum is computed tomography and extra-pulmonary causes of pneumomediastinum can be successfully treated conservatively with rest and antibiotics.ConclusionsThough complications from polypectomies are rare, they can be associated with a high morbidity and mortality but rarely associated with pneumomediastinum and in certain stable patients can be treated with conservative management.


CHEST Journal ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 156 (4) ◽  
pp. A1291
Author(s):  
Dolly Patel ◽  
Mehdi Farshchian ◽  
Javed Iqbal ◽  
Jagadish Akella

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