Abstract
Introduction
Subcutaneous emphysema in the cervical region is a well-documented event that may occur secondary to tonsillectomy, dental treatment, oropharyngeal barotraumas, scaling and root planning therapy, punch biopsy, endotracheal intubation, orthognathic surgery, extraction of impacted teeth, or after maxillofacial trauma. After trauma episodes, subcutaneous emphysema may be caused by a maxillary antral wall fracture that occurs when air pressure is introduced into the fascial planes of the connective tissue. Retropharyngeal emphysema is a severe condition associated with traumatic aerodigestive tract injury and may be associated with life-threatening situations requiring prompt attention and diagnosis in order to prevent serious consequences.
Case report
We reported a case of cervicofacial and retropharyngeal emphysema in a 54-year-old patient who stated concerns after blowing his nose several times after a traumatic episode involving orbitozygomatic region. During the patient’s hospital course, his airway remained stable, and he was discharged from the hospital 7 days later with a prognosis of full recovery, excellent occlusion and facial appearance, and complete resolution of subcutaneous emphysema.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
References
Paquette M, Terezhalmy GT, Moore WS (2002) Subcutaneous emphysema. Quintessence Int 33:478–479
Brasileiro FB, Cortez ALV, Asprino A, Passeri LA, Moraes M, Mazzonetto R, Moreira RWF (2005) Traumatic subcutaneous emphysema of the face associated with paranasal sinus fractures: a prospective study. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 63:1080–1087
Demas PN, Braun TW (1991) Infection associated with orbital subcutaneous emphysema. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 49:1239–1242
Oliver AJ, Diaz EM, Helfrick JF (1993) Air emphysema secondary to mandibular fracture: case report. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 51:1143–1145
Maheshwar AA, Kim EY, Pensak ML, Keller JT (2004) Roof of the parapharyngeal space: defining its boundaries and clinical implications. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 113:283–288
Gwénaël R, Benoît V, Joël F (2010) Massive pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema secondary to isolated zygomaticomaxillary complex fracture. J Craniofac Surg 21:266–268
Lipman JS, Walters TH, Selman AJ (1967) Traumatic emphysema of the face and neck associated with a midfacial fracture. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol 23:717–720
Von Arx DP, Gilhooly M (1983) An unusual presentation of orbital floor fracture. Br J Oral Surg 21:117–119
Henry CH, Hills EC (1989) Traumatic emphysema of the head and neck, and mediastinum associated with maxillofacial trauma. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 47:876–882
Almasi M, Andrasovska M, Koval J (2005) Blunt external trauma to the trachea: report of two cases. Blunt external trauma to the trachea: report of two cases. B-Ent 1:93–96
Mey K, Rasmussen N (2008) Laryngeal fractures due to blunt trauma. Ugeskr Laeger 170:3243–3246
Ellis E III, El-Attar A, Moos KF (1985) An analysis of 2,067 cases of zygomatico-orbital fracture. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 43:417–421
Josephson GD, Wambach BA, Noordzji JP (2001) Subcutaneous and cervicofacial and mediastinal emphysema after dental instrumentation. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 124:170–171
Carmichael F, Ward-Booth RP, Banks JM (1988) Pneumomediastinum after facial trauma. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol 56:540–542
Sansevere JJ, Badwal RS, Najjar TA (1993) Cervical and mediastinal emphysema secondary to mandible fracture: case report and review of the literature. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg 22:278–281
Conflicts of interest
None.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Azenha, M.R., Yamaji, M.A.K., Avelar, R.L. et al. Retropharyngeal and cervicofacial subcutaneous emphysema after maxillofacial trauma. Oral Maxillofac Surg 15, 245–249 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10006-010-0246-5
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10006-010-0246-5