Diverticular perforation: an unusual cause of subcutaneous emphysema

Abstract

REFERENCE1 Hur T, Chen Y, Shu GHF, et al. Spontaneous cervical subcutaneous and mediastinal emphysema secondary to occult sigmoid diverticulitis. Eur Respir J 1995;8:2188-90.

Mediastinal, retroperitoneal, and subcutaneous emphysema due to sigmoid colon penetration: A case report and literature review

“…All cases involved perforation into the retroperitoneal or intramesenteric space. The most common cause of subcutaneous and mediastinal emphysema of colonic origin was diverticulitis (13 cases) [[2], [3], [4], [5],7,[14], [15], [16], [17], [18], [19]]. Our case also showed a wide range of emphysema from the mesentery to the retroperitoneum, mediastinum, and subcutaneous tissue.…”

Pneumoretroperitoneum, pneumomediastinum, and neck emphysema due to rectal diverticulosis

“…The occult perforation of diverticula is a frequent cause of the presence of free air in the abdomen, but cases of air bubbles reaching neck structures are reported as well. 1 , 2 Blunt trauma might play as well an important role, and its complications can reveal a previously undiagnosed diverticulosis. 3 The actual position of considering diverticular disease mostly a chronic bowel disorder, that might be complicated acutely to the point of needing surgery, underscores the importance of close follow‐ups and multidisciplinary approach of the condition.…”

“…The occult perforation of diverticula is a frequent cause of the presence of free air in the abdomen, but cases of air bubbles reaching neck structures are reported as well 1,2 . Blunt trauma might play as well an important role, and its complications can reveal a previously undiagnosed diverticulosis 3 .…”