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Review
. 2012:32:224-6.

Epidural emphysema following blunt trauma: a case report and review of literature

R Botchu  1 , A Shah, P Burli
Affiliations
Review

Epidural emphysema following blunt trauma: a case report and review of literature

R Botchu et al. Iowa Orthop J. 2012.

Abstract

Pneumorachis or epidural emphysema is defined as free air in the spinal canal which is seen following trauma, head trauma, manipulations, epidural injections, and spinal surgery. We report on the case of a 62-year-old with cervical and thoracic pneumorachis following a traffic accident.

Keywords: emphysema; epidural; pneumorachis.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Axial ct of the upper thoracic spine and sagittal reconstruction of the cervical spine demonstrating air in the epidural space (arrow) and within the paraspinal muscles.
Figure 2
Figure 2. Sagittal ct and coronal reconstruction of the cervicothoracic spine demonstrating epidural emphysema tracking into the neural foramina.
Figure 3
Figure 3. Axial contrast-enhancedct (lung windows) showing large right hemothorax (+) with pneumomediastinum (arrow).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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References

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