Subcutaneous emphysema of the abdominal wall from diverticulitis with necrotizing fasciitis

The case history of a patient with subcutaneous emphysema of the abdomen from sigmoid diverticulitis is presented. The mechanisms for developing abdominal wall emphysema are reviewed. Thus when the gas originates from the gastrointestinal tract, mechanical factors are mainly responsible for this phenomenon. These inculde a direct communication through a colonocutaneous fistula. Gas may, however, also be spread into the abdominal wall by high intraintestinal pressures. Infection with gas-producing organisms may be associated with subcutaneous emphysema. This is particularly true when the emphysema develops 48 h or longer after onset of symptoms. Infection, however, is not the major cause for gas in these tissues.