Benign Subcutaneous Emphysema of the Upper Extremity after Unsuccessful Venous Catheterization: Report of a Case

Abstract

Subcutaneous emphysema in the upper extremity may be caused either by infectious, gas gangrene, or non-infectious, benign, causes. However, benign subcutaneous emphysema may imitate clinically gas gangrene. Differential diagnosis is not always obvious but should be achieved as soon as possible in order to select the proper management. We present a case of an 88-year-old male with benign subcutaneous emphysema of the upper extremity, during packed red blood cells transfusion, with findings imitating gas gangrene. Diagnosis was set with X-ray and US imaging. The patient responded well to conservative treatment with intravenous and oral antibiotics.