Delayed traumatic subcutaneous emphysema: a case report.

Background: Subcutaneous emphysema is a common, usually benign, and self-limiting complication of traumatic chest wall injury. In a minority of thoracic injuries, pneumothoraces can result in extensive subcutaneous emphysema and subsequent airway obstruction if air tracks along tissue planes within the neck. Furthermore, patients may have a delay to presentation following chest-wall injury and can rapidly decline. Hence, we discuss a case of delayed traumatic subcutaneous emphysema resulting in airway compromise, without cardiorespiratory compromise from tension pneumothoraces.

Case presentation: A white British female in her 70s attended the emergency department 24 h after a fall at home with the complaint of right sided chest pain and shortness of breath. On arrival, the patient appeared well, with no sign of compromise. The patient rapidly deteriorated over the course of the next 30 min. Massive crepitus swelling was identified of her upper and lower limbs, head (including palpebral closure), neck, chest, and abdomen. Vocal changes and early airway obstruction features were identified. Prompt recognition of rapidly progressive subcutaneous emphysema with airway compromise, early rapid-sequence induction, chest-drain insertion, and a multidisciplinary team approach ensured a positive outcome, with discharge home after 12 days in hospital.

Conclusion: Subcutaneous emphysema itself is rarely life-threatening, though it can infrequently manifest as an obstructive airway emergency. Delayed presentations are possible, and the presence of subcutaneous emphysema indicates severe chest-wall injury. Airway protection and treatment of pneumothoraces are critical interventions for these patients.