Abstract
OBJECTIVE
Subcutaneous emphysema occurs when air is forced beneath the soft tissues, leading to swelling, crepitus on palpation and potential to spread along fascial planes. Cervicofacial emphysema and pneumomediastinum are complications associated with surgery in the head and neck, infections diseases and trauma. The occurrence of this complication after dental extraction is uncommon.
METHOD
A case report is presented and the literature reviewed.
RESULTS
A twenty-five-year-old man presented to the emergency department complaining of swelling and pain in the face and neck after dental extraction. He had crepitus on cervical palpation without thoracic complaints. Fiberoptic laryngoscopy did not reveal glottic lumen compromise. Computed tomography scan (CT) of the neck showed extensive subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum. The patient remained in observation for dyspnea, dysphagia and potential infectious signs with a favorable outcome.
CONCLUSION
The authors present a case of an extensive subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum secondary to dental extraction and discuss the mechanisms, clinical presentations and possible complications. The literature is reviewed.