Subcutaneous emphysema: An unusual presentation of an unsuspected foreign body bronchus in an adult patient

Abstract

Foreign body in airway is common in children but extremely rare in adults. Here, we are presenting a case report of an adult patient with an unsuspected foreign body in the airway who presented unusually as widespread subcutaneous emphysema in neck. We did an extensive review of literature on this topic but could find only few cases with similar clinical presentation of asymptomatic inhaled foreign body in adults. This case underlines the fact that airway foreign bodies can have extremely unusual presentations and only a high degree of clinical suspicion can clinch the diagnosis. This case is being reported for its unusual presentation and its rarity.