Endo-buccal mucosal punch biopsy and cervico-facial benign subcutaneous emphysema

Abstract

Subcutaneous emphysema is a rare feature caused by traumatism (weapons, accidents: crashes, barotrauma, …), dental care and infections. A 48-year-old woman consults for a right oral mucosa lesion and benefits from a biopsy for anatomopathological diagnosis. Within hours of the biopsy, bilateral jugal then cervical swelling has occured without signs of severity. The examination at 48 hours and the CT scan showed a bilateral cervicofacial emphysema with a spontaneous favorable resolution in a few days making the diagnosis of benign subcutaneous emphysema (BSCE). BSE can occurs after an endobuccal biopsy, a close follow up is necessary to rule out gas gangrene.The resolution is spontaneous with the necessity to reassure the patient.