Abstract
Background: Trauma, pneumothorax, complication of surgery, infection, or malignancy
can cause subcutaneous emphysema and although most subcutaneous emphysema cases are
self-limited, extensive subcutaneous emphysema can lead to compromised airway and
cardiovascular system. In this report, we described a successful treatment strategy
in which subcutaneous angiocatheter insertion is used to relieve the pressure of extensive
subcutaneous emphysema. Case Report: An 83-year-old man was received at the emergency
department (ED) for recurrent pneumothorax and extensive subcutaneous emphysema. Six
18-gauge angiocatheters were inserted under the thoracic subcutaneous tissue and a
noticeable improvement was seen 3 h after angiocatheter insertion. Why Should an Emergency
Physician Be Aware of This? Subcutaneous angiocatheter insertion may be a safe and
uncomplicated decompression technique to relieve extensive subcutaneous emphysema,
particularly in the ED.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: March 01, 2023
Accepted:
February 17,
2023
Received in revised form:
December 1,
2022
Received:
November 1,
2022
Publication stage
In Press Uncorrected ProofIdentification
Copyright
© 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
