PMC4022431_01
Anterior Posterior view of the right arm taken in the emergency department demonstrating significant subcutaneous free air.
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F1
Close review of all imaging studies, specifically plain radiographs and a CT scan, demonstrated subcutaneous emphysema throughout the corpus in a pattern consistent with a causal mechanism of pneumothorax, not an infection along the deep fascial planes (Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4).
Lateral view of the right arm taken in the emergency department demonstrating significant subcutaneous free air.
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F2
Close review of all imaging studies, specifically plain radiographs and a CT scan, demonstrated subcutaneous emphysema throughout the corpus in a pattern consistent with a causal mechanism of pneumothorax, not an infection along the deep fascial planes (Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4).
Coronal chest computerized tomography scan demonstrating subcutaneous free air throughout the chest secondary to a pneumothorax.
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F3
Close review of all imaging studies, specifically plain radiographs and a CT scan, demonstrated subcutaneous emphysema throughout the corpus in a pattern consistent with a causal mechanism of pneumothorax, not an infection along the deep fascial planes (Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4).
Axial chest computerized tomography scan demonstrating subcutaneous free air throughout the chest secondary to a pneumothorax.
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F4
Close review of all imaging studies, specifically plain radiographs and a CT scan, demonstrated subcutaneous emphysema throughout the corpus in a pattern consistent with a causal mechanism of pneumothorax, not an infection along the deep fascial planes (Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4).
Lateral view of the right arm taken eight days after initial presentation demonstrating resolution of subcutaneous free air.
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F5
The subcutaneous emphysema resolved by hospital day eight with normalization of his clinical and radiographic exams and his wounds remained clean without signs of infection. (Figure 5) While aggressive surgical and non-surgical management of his multi-system traumatic injuries were appropriately performed, worsening of both renal and liver function complicated the clinical course for this patient.