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Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.

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Subcutaneous emphysema natural history, complications and prognosis

Introduction

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Overview

Overview

Air in subcutaneous tissue does not usually pose a lethal threat;[1] small amounts of air are reabsorbed by the body.[2] Once the pneumothorax or pneumomediastinum that causes the subcutaneous emphysema is resolved, with or without medical intervention, the subcutaneous emphysema will usually clear.[3] However, spontaneous subcutaneous emphysema can, in rare cases, progress to a life-threatening condition,[4] and subcutaneous emphysema due to mechanical ventilation may induce ventilatory failure.[5]

References

References

  1. ↑ Maunder RJ, Pierson DJ, Hudson LD (1984). “Subcutaneous and mediastinal emphysema. Pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management”. Arch. Intern. Med. 144 (7): 1447–53. PMID 6375617. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  2. ↑ Long BC Cassmeyer V, Phipps WJ (1995). Adult Nursing: Nursing Process Approach. St. Louis: Mosby. p. 328. ISBN 0-7234-2004-1. Retrieved 2008-05-12.
  3. ↑ Criner GJ, D’Alonzo GE (2002). Critical Care Study Guide: text and review. Berlin: Springer. p. 169. ISBN 0-387-95164-4. Retrieved 2008-05-12.
  4. ↑ Parker GS, Mosborg DA, Foley RW, Stiernberg CM (1990). “Spontaneous cervical and mediastinal emphysema”. Laryngoscope. 100 (9): 938–940. PMID 2395401. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  5. ↑ Conetta R, Barman AA, Iakovou C, Masakayan RJ (1993). “Acute ventilatory failure from massive subcutaneous emphysema”. Chest. 104 (3): 978–980. PMID 8365332. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]