Pediatric otolaryngology: isolated cervical subcutaneous emphysema

Two cases of pediatric isolated cervical emphysema caused by foreign bodies are presented. This report emphasizes the need for roentgenograms, flexible nasolaryngoscopy, and situational barium swallows to identify the exact location of a tear and to determine whether the situation requires direct laryngoscopy and esophagoscopy to remove a foreign body, or an open surgical repair of a mucosal disruption. The treatment of this self-limited condition usually requires only antibiotics, fasting, intravenous fluid, and most importantly, close observation for signs of perforation.