Citation

Defouilloy C, Galy C, Lobjoie E, Strunski V, Ossart M. Eur. Respir. J. 1995; 8(10): 1806-1807.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1995, European Respiratory Society)

DOI

10.1183/09031936.95.08101806

PMID

8586143

Abstract

Subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum are well-known complications of barotrauma. There are no fascial barriers between the posterior mediastinum and the retropharyngeal and epidural spaces; thus, air can diffuse freely to the epidural space and produce an epidural pneumatosis. We report a case of epidural pneumatosis caused by a pneumomediastinum following nasotracheal intubation for an attempted suicide. This benign complication of air leakage was easily recognized on computed tomography (CT) scan.

Language: en

Keywords

Adult; Air; Emphysema; Epidural Space; Humans; Male; Mediastinal Emphysema; Pneumothorax; Subcutaneous Emphysema; Suicide, Attempted; Tomography, X-Ray Computed