Massive subcutaneous emphysema, pneumomediastinum, and spinal epidural emphysema as complications of violent coughing: a case report

Abstract

A 28-year-old man who manifested subcutaneous emphysema extending from the skull base and face to the chest, mediastinum and spinal epidural space following severe coughing caused by acute bronchitis is reported. Subcutaneous emphysema is a manifestation of non-surgical intrathoracic pathophysiology. In this patient percutaneous diagnostic peritoneal lavage resulted in the release of a large quantity of air and was negative for bleeding or contamination. No treatment other than antibiotics was prescribed. In this report, computer tomography study successfully demonstrated the areas of massive subcutaneous emphysema and the disappearance of the entrapped air, that might be absorbed into the tissues in the occupied sites within 7 days, except the air of epidural space, of a patient who manifested as a consequence of severe coughing caused by acute bronchitis.