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Case Reports
. 2015 Mar 5;2(4):253-256.
doi: 10.1002/ams2.109. eCollection 2015 Oct.

Iatrogenic subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum following a high-speed air drill dental treatment procedure

Takeshi Nishimura  1 , Tatsuo Sawai  1 , Kanenori Kadoi  1 , Taihei Yamada  1 , Norichika Yoshie  1 , Takahiro Ueda  1 , Atsunori Nakao  1 , Joji Kotani  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

Iatrogenic subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum following a high-speed air drill dental treatment procedure

Takeshi Nishimura et al. Acute Med Surg. .

Abstract

Case: A patient was transported to our hospital with swelling in his right face and neck after restorative dental treatment. Subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum were discovered using computed tomography scans.

Outcome: The patient had no severe symptoms. We prescribed prophylactic antibiotics and he recovered uneventfully.

Conclusions: Clinicians must keep this pathology in mind because prompt diagnosis and treatment contribute to early improvement. Otherwise, patients may face life-threatening complications.

Keywords: Dental air drill; pneumomediastinum; subcutaneous emphysema.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Cervical computed tomography in a 68‐year‐old man with swelling in his right face and neck after restorative dental treatment. Arrows, s.c. emphysema of right cheek. Arrow head, s.c. emphysema in the posterior pharynx.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Thoracic computed tomography in a 68‐year‐old man with swelling in his right face and neck after restorative dental treatment. Arrow, s.c. emphysema of right neck. Arrow head, pneumomediastinum in the anterior trachea.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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