Upper airway obstruction caused by massive subcutaneous emphysema

Area of Science:

• Emergency Medicine
• Otolaryngology
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Acute upper airway obstruction presents a significant clinical challenge, often stemming from common causes like foreign bodies, thermal injuries, inflammation, angioedema, and trauma.
• Submucosal extension of subcutaneous emphysema is an exceedingly rare etiology for airway compromise.

Observation:

• This report details a patient experiencing respiratory arrest.
• The arrest was directly linked to significant hypopharyngeal and laryngeal swelling.
• Massive subcutaneous emphysema was identified as the underlying cause of the swelling.

Findings:

• Submucosal emphysema can lead to severe upper airway obstruction.
• This rare cause of airway compromise can result in life-threatening respiratory events.
• The case underscores the importance of considering uncommon etiologies in airway emergencies.

Implications:

• Clinicians should consider subcutaneous emphysema in the differential diagnosis of acute upper airway obstruction, particularly when massive emphysema is present.
• Prompt recognition and management of airway compromise due to submucosal emphysema are critical for patient survival.
• Further investigation into the mechanisms and management of airway obstruction secondary to subcutaneous emphysema may be warranted.