An unusual case of surgical emphysema of neck due to compression injury: A case report

Abstract

Neck trauma due to compressing injury (accompanied by surgical emphysema and pneumomediastinum) can be critical. It may develop in up to 10% of patients and may be a significant cause of morbidity and mortality due to the associated damage to the aerodigestive tract. Depending on the extent and severity of aerodigestive tract injury, management varies between conservative to surgical intervention. We present a case of blunt compressing neck trauma accompanied by subcutaneous emphysema secondary to compression of the neck by a cloth around the neck pulled by entangling in the shaft of a running electrical motor. It resulted in a leak in the oropharyngeal region which caused surgical emphysema in the cervicofacial region and pneumomediastinum. Its radiologic appearance, clinical presentation, and initial management options in the emergency department (ED) are presented here. Keywords: Blunt neck trauma, Pneumomediastinum, Subcutaneous emphysema electrical motor shaft.