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Subcutaneous emphysema

• Overview

Definition:

Subcutaneous emphysema occurs when air gets into tissues under the skin covering the chest wall or neck. This can happen due to stabbing, gun shot wounds, other penetrations, or blunt trauma. Air can also be found in between skin layers on the arms and legs during certain infections, including gas gangrene.

Alternative Names:

Crepitus; Subcutaneous air; Tissue emphysema

Considerations:

Subcutaneous emphysema can often be seen as a smooth bulging of the skin. When a health care provider feels (palpates) the skin, it produces an unusual crackling sensation as the gas is pushed through the tissue.

Common Causes:

This is a rare condition. When it does occur, possible causes include:

• Pneumothorax (collapsed lung)
• Ruptured esophagus
• Ruptured bronchial tube

• Review Date: 7/18/2007
• Reviewed By: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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