Scary gas: a spectrum of soft tissue gas encountered in the axial body (part II)

Abstract

Ectopic gas in the mediastinum, subperitoneal abdomen, and superficial soft tissues is concerning and can be seen in the setting of trauma, iatrogenic injuries, infection, and inflammation. It can spread along different dissection pathways and may present remotely from the involved organ as described in part one. Recognition of ectopic gas on imaging and differentiating it from other causes of benign gas is very important as these conditions associated with ectopic gas can lead to rapid patient deterioration and usually require urgent surgery. In part two, the different causes of ectopic and benign gas in the torso are reviewed as well as the imaging features that can help to narrow the differential diagnosis.

Keywords: Emphysematous infection; Esophageal rupture; Macklin effect; Necrotizing infection; Subperitoneal bowel perforation; Tracheobronchial injury.