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Iranian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology Jan 2018Subcutaneous and mediastinal emphysema is a rare complication after tonsillectomy. This case presentation and literature review summarizes the existing literature on... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Subcutaneous and mediastinal emphysema is a rare complication after tonsillectomy. This case presentation and literature review summarizes the existing literature on this unusual complication.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This study presents a case of a 21-year-old man who developed a cervical subcutaneous emphysema 6 days after tonsillectomy, whereby conservative treatment produced spontaneous resolution. A proper analysis of this case also required undertaking a systematic search in MEDLINE/PubMed and SCOPUS electronic databases concerning this rare complication, without language restrictions.
RESULTS
Based on our criteria, we identified 41 reports including 43 individual cases, in which patients were mostly young and equally distributed between the genders (18 males and 23 females, two unknown). The treatment was mainly conservative and consisted of observation and/or antibiotic therapy.
CONCLUSION
Subcutaneous or mediastinal emphysema is an uncommon complication after tonsillectomy. It is important that clinicians become aware of this rare complication, which requires a close monitoring of the patient.
PubMed: 29387658
DOI: No ID Found -
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Sep 2023This case report presents an iatrogenic induced mediastinal emphysema after restorative treatment of the lower left second molar, aimed to highlight the potential...
This case report presents an iatrogenic induced mediastinal emphysema after restorative treatment of the lower left second molar, aimed to highlight the potential life-threatening consequences, and providing diagnostics and treatment concepts of complicated dental induced emphysema based on literature review. A 74-year-old female patient was admitted to the emergency department due to a fall on her shoulder. Additional finding was a significant swelling of the face and neck. In the computer tomography of the head, neck, and thorax, a humerus fracture and pronounced soft tissue emphysema from the infraorbital region to the mediastinum was detected. The patient reported that she had been treated by her dentist 4 days earlier. The treatment had to be discontinued after beginning of a pronounced swelling. Other reasons for the emphysema could be excluded out on an interdisciplinary teamwork. The patient was monitored as an inpatient for 5 days and received intravenous antibiotic therapy. This case report shows the rare complication of pronounced mediastinal emphysema after root canal treatment. Emphysema should always be a differential diagnosis of soft tissue swelling and, in case of doubt, a general medical presentation should be made.
Topics: Humans; Female; Aged; Mediastinal Emphysema; Face; Molar; Tooth Extraction; Subcutaneous Emphysema
PubMed: 35680758
DOI: 10.1007/s10006-022-01088-5 -
Presse Medicale (Paris, France : 1983) Mar 2017In France, cocaine is the second most commonly used illicit drug after cannabis. It can be responsible for many respiratory disorders among which pneumomediastinum. (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
In France, cocaine is the second most commonly used illicit drug after cannabis. It can be responsible for many respiratory disorders among which pneumomediastinum.
OBJECTIVES
Systematic literature review of data on pneumediastinum in cocaine users. Documentary sources. Medline, on the period 1980-2016 with the keywords "pneumomediastinum" and "cocaine" or "free-base" or "freebasing" or "crack"; limits "title/abstract"; the selected languages were English or French. Among 72 articles, 48 abstracts have given use to a dual reading to select 37 studies.
RESULTS
Thirty-five selected articles related 44 subjects (sex-ratio: 5.2) whose age ranged from 15 to 36 years. Fourteen subjects used cocaine nasally and 30 others smoked it (12 as free-base and 18 in the form of crack). Thirty-two subjects had an isolated pneumomediastinum and 12 others had a pneumomediastinum combined with other gaseous effusions (pneumothorax, pneumopericardium, pneumoperitoneum or pneumorachis). Chest pain of sudden onset in the most common symptom which is often associated with tightness or swelling of the neck; more rarely there are dyspnea and/or a dry cough. The time between taking cocaine and the onset of the symptoms varies from a few minutes to 3 days. The course is usually good with healing in 1 to 4 days.
CONCLUSION
Cocaine use may be responsible for spontaneous pneumomediastinum. Practitioners must seek cocaine use in case of pneumomediastinum in a young person and consider the diagnosis in the case of sudden chest pain in cocaine users; they must help them to stop their consumption.
Topics: Cocaine-Related Disorders; Humans; Mediastinal Emphysema
PubMed: 28189373
DOI: 10.1016/j.lpm.2017.01.002 -
Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery May 2014For patients with superficial esophageal carcinoma, ESD was one of treatment modalities to remove the lesion safely and effectively. We perform this meta-analysis to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
AIM
For patients with superficial esophageal carcinoma, ESD was one of treatment modalities to remove the lesion safely and effectively. We perform this meta-analysis to determine the efficacy and incidence of complication of ESD for patients with superficial esophageal carcinoma.
METHOD
Articles were searched in MEDLINE (PubMed and Ovid), Cochrane Database of Systemic Reviews, Google scholar, and Web of Science. Two reviewers independently searched and extracted data. Meta-analysis of the efficacy of ESD was analyzed by calculating pooled en bloc and R0 resection rate. Incidence of complications such as perforation, stenosis and mediastinal emphysema was also calculated. Pooling was conducted using either fixed-effects model or random-effects model depending on the heterogeneity across studies.
RESULTS
21 studies (1152 patients and 1240 lesions) were included in this analysis. The pooled en bloc resection rate was 99% (95% CI 99%-100%). Stratified by tumor size, en bloc resection rates did not show any significant difference. The pooled R0 resection rate was 90% (95% CI 87%-93%). The pooled R0 resection rate was 85% (95% CI, 80%-90%) for large tumor and 92% (95% CI, 87%-93%) for small tumor (p < 0.001). Stenosis served as the most common reported complication with pooled incidence of 5% (95% CI 3-8%), followed by perforation (1%, 95% CI 0-1%) and mediastinal emphysema (0% CI 0-1%). The incidence of postoperative stenosis decreased significantly after 2011 (2%, 95% CI 0-3%) compared with that before 2011 (9%, 95% CI 3-8%) (p < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
ESD was an efficient modality for treating superficial esophageal carcinoma, with perfect en bloc and R0 resection rate and low complication rate. The most common complication of ESD was stenosis. Although recurrence rate was low, patients should be maintained in a scheduled surveillance program.
Topics: Dissection; Esophageal Neoplasms; Esophagoscopy; Global Health; Humans; Incidence; Intestinal Mucosa; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Postoperative Complications; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 24885614
DOI: 10.1186/1749-8090-9-78 -
Craniomaxillofacial Trauma &... Mar 2022Pneumomediastinum (PM) secondary to oromaxillofacial trauma (OMF) is a rare but well-described complication/pathologic finding. The aim of this study was twofold: first,... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
Pneumomediastinum (PM) secondary to oromaxillofacial trauma (OMF) is a rare but well-described complication/pathologic finding. The aim of this study was twofold: first, to report our experience in treatment of maxillofacial trauma patients with PM, and second, to review the literature regarding the clinical features, severity, course, and management of the aforementioned complication.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed the medical records and charts of patients who suffered from maxillofacial trauma and treated in our hospital between September 1, 2013 and September 31, 2017. The inclusion criteria were patients with radiologically confirmed PM. In addition, the electronic databases PubMed, Scopus, and Science Direct were queried for articles reporting PM cases secondary to OMF injuries and published in English, French, and German language.
RESULTS
Three cases of PM out of 3,514 cases of craniomaxillofacial trauma were found; there were 3 male patients who presented in our emergency department with the chief complaint of cervicofacial swelling. Literature search isolated 58 selected articles and 63 cases were assessed in total; posttraumatic repeated blowing of nose was proved as most frequent triggering factor among them. Furthermore, the outcomes of review showed that thoracic pain, respiratory distress, and swallowing difficulties were not frequently reported in patients with ME due to facial trauma.
CONCLUSIONS
Both our experience and the results of systematic literature review indicated that patients with PM due to OMF injuries present mild clinical course. If properly managed, this specific pathologic condition may have no further complications or relative comorbidities. The exact etiology and mechanism of PM in the context of maxillofacial injuries always needs to be identified. Radiographic, laboratory, and endoscopic examinations should be applied to rule out the more serious and frequently diagnosed aerodigestive, thoracic, and abdominal causes of PM.
PubMed: 35265281
DOI: 10.1177/1943387521997236 -
Asian Cardiovascular & Thoracic Annals Oct 2014To describe and clarify management protocols in relation to spontaneous pneumomediastinum, and try to integrate criteria on this subject. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To describe and clarify management protocols in relation to spontaneous pneumomediastinum, and try to integrate criteria on this subject.
BACKGROUND
Thoracic physicians are faced with patients who present with gas in the mediastinum, frequently without an obvious etiologic factor. Published material contains heterogeneous information from which different conclusions can be drawn.
METHODS
In a Medline search from 1990 to 2012, we collected data on mortality, morbidity, signs, symptoms, etiologic factors, and diagnostic methods. Standardized mean differences were calculated.
RESULTS
We identified 600 patients in 27 papers with series of >5 patients without precipitating or etiologic factors previous to the clinical presentation, but athletic activity, drug abuse, and history of asthma played an apparent role in the disease process. Most patients complained of thoracic pain and dyspnea, with subcutaneous emphysema and Hamman's sign. The most common complication was tension pneumothorax. Morbidity was seen in 2.8%; no mortality has been reported so far.
CONCLUSION
Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is a rare disease with a benign course, which should be treated conservatively unless a complication mandates an invasive procedure. An algorithm for diagnosis and treatment is offered, based on the available evidence.
Topics: Algorithms; Critical Pathways; Humans; Mediastinal Emphysema; Predictive Value of Tests; Risk Factors; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 24887879
DOI: 10.1177/0218492313504091 -
AJR. American Journal of Roentgenology Mar 1985Thoracic sarcoidosis is a common disease, and its usual radiographic manifestations have been well described and are readily recognized. However, most physicians are not... (Review)
Review
Thoracic sarcoidosis is a common disease, and its usual radiographic manifestations have been well described and are readily recognized. However, most physicians are not familiar with the unusual and often confusing manifestations of thoracic sarcoid, which have been sporadically reported. Using information derived from a systematic review of the literature and clinical material from our own institutions, a classification has been developed of the unusual thoracic manifestations of sarcoidosis, and their relative incidence has been determined and tabulated. These include lesions of the osseous, pleural, mediastinal, hilar, bronchial, pulmonary parenchymal, vascular, and cardiac structures. The information presented in this review is intended to provide physicians with a single comprehensive source to assist them when atypical radiographic findings of thoracic sarcoidosis are a diagnostic consideration.
Topics: Bronchial Diseases; Bronchiectasis; Calcinosis; Cardiomegaly; Chylothorax; Constriction, Pathologic; Humans; Lymphatic Diseases; Mediastinal Emphysema; Pleura; Pleural Effusion; Pneumothorax; Pulmonary Atelectasis; Radiography; Ribs; Sarcoidosis; Sternum; Thoracic Diseases; Thoracic Vertebrae; Tracheal Diseases; Vascular Diseases
PubMed: 3155892
DOI: 10.2214/ajr.144.3.513 -
Diseases of the Esophagus : Official... Oct 2016Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a novel approach to performing esophageal myotomy for the treatment of achalasia. This review aims to assess subjective and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a novel approach to performing esophageal myotomy for the treatment of achalasia. This review aims to assess subjective and objective metrics of achalasia treatment efficacy, perioperative adverse events and the incidence of postoperative gastroesophageal reflux disease in patients treated with POEM. Secondary aims include a pooled analysis comparison of the clinical outcomes and procedural safety of POEM versus laparoscopic Heller's myotomy (LHM). A systematic review of the literature, up to and including January 15, 2015, was conducted for studies reporting POEM outcomes. Studies comparing POEM to LHM were also included for the purpose of pooled analysis. Outcomes from 1122 POEM patients, from 22 studies, are reported in this systematic review. Minor operative adverse events included capno/pneumo-peritoneum (30.6%), capno/pneumo-thorax (11.0%) and subcutaneous emphysema (31.6%). Major operative adverse events included mediastinal leak (0.3%), postoperative bleeding (1.1%) and a single mortality (0.09%). There was an improvement in lower esophageal sphincter pressure and timed barium esophagram column height of 66% and 80% post-POEM, respectively. Symptom improvement was demonstrated with a pre- and post-POEM Eckardt score ± standard deviation of 6.8 ± 1.0 and 1.2 ± 0.6, respectively. Pre- and post-POEM endoscopy showed esophagitis in 0% and 19% of patients, respectively. The median (interquartile range) points scored for study quality was 15 (14-16) out of total of 32. Pooled analysis of three comparative studies between LHM and POEM showed similar results for adverse events, perforation rate, operative time and a nonsignificant trend toward a reduced length of hospital stay in the POEM group. In conclusion, POEM is a safe and effective treatment for achalasia, showing significant improvements in objective metrics and achalasia-related symptoms. Randomized comparative studies of LHM and POEM are required to determine the most effective treatment modality for achalasia.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Esophageal Achalasia; Esophageal Perforation; Esophagoscopy; Esophagus; Female; Gastroesophageal Reflux; Humans; Incidence; Laparoscopy; Male; Middle Aged; Mouth; Natural Orifice Endoscopic Surgery; Operative Time; Postoperative Complications; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult
PubMed: 26175119
DOI: 10.1111/dote.12387 -
Chest May 2004Part 1: To describe cases of emphysema (subcutaneous and/or mediastinal) and pneumothorax after percutaneous dilational tracheostomy (PDT) in a series of 326 patients,... (Review)
Review
STUDY OBJECTIVE
Part 1: To describe cases of emphysema (subcutaneous and/or mediastinal) and pneumothorax after percutaneous dilational tracheostomy (PDT) in a series of 326 patients, and to review the existing literature describing the incidence and possible mechanisms. Part 2: To analyze the potential mechanisms for the development of emphysema and pneumothorax in human cadaver models.
DESIGN
A retrospective analysis of PDTs, in combination with an anatomic study in human cadavers.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Part 1: All ICU patients who underwent PDT between 1997 and 2002 were enrolled in the study. We analyzed the cases of emphysema and pneumothorax. Similar cases were retrieved from the literature and underwent a systematic review. Part 2: The relevant anatomic structures were studied. We simulated the clinical situation after PDT in a human pathologic study in order to induce subcutaneous emphysema and pneumothorax.
MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS
Part 1: Five cases of subcutaneous emphysema (1.5%) and two cases of pneumothorax (0.6%) are described. In the literature search, we found 41 cases of emphysema (1.4%) and 25 cases of pneumothorax (0.8%) in a total of 3,012 patients. Part 2: Subcutaneous emphysema could easily be induced in a human cadaver model by inflating air in the pretracheal tissues and after posterior tracheal wall laceration. Air leakage was also possible through a fenestrated cannula via the space between the inner nonfenestrated cannula and outer cannula and then through the fenestration.
CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that one mechanism for the development of emphysema is an imperfect positioning of the fenestrated cannula, whereby the fenestration is extraluminal. For this reason, fenestrated cannulas should not be used immediately after placement of a PDT. Posterior tracheal wall laceration is another mechanism responsible for emphysema after PDT. After perforation of the posterior tracheal wall, the pleural space can be reached easily. This may result in a pneumothorax.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Cadaver; Emphysema; Female; Humans; Incidence; Male; Middle Aged; Pneumothorax; Retrospective Studies; Tracheostomy
PubMed: 15136394
DOI: 10.1378/chest.125.5.1805 -
Asian Cardiovascular & Thoracic Annals Feb 2022There are various reports of air leaks with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We undertook a systematic review of all published case reports and series to analyse the...
INTRODUCTION
There are various reports of air leaks with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We undertook a systematic review of all published case reports and series to analyse the types of air leaks in COVID-19 and their outcomes.
METHODS
The literature search from PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar databases was performed from the start of the pandemic till 31 March 2021. The inclusion criteria were case reports or series on (1) laboratory-confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, (2) with the individual patient details, and (3) reported diagnosis of one or more air leak syndrome (pneumothorax, subcutaneous emphysema, pneumomediastinum, pneumoperitoneum, pneumopericardium).
RESULTS
A total of 105 studies with 188 patients were included in the final analysis. The median age was 56.02 (SD 15.53) years, 80% males, 11% had previous respiratory disease, and 8% were smokers. Severe or critical COVID-19 was present in 50.6% of the patients. Pneumothorax (68%) was the most common type of air leak. Most patients (56.7%) required intervention with lower mortality (29.1% vs. 44.1%, p = 0.07) and intercostal drain (95.9%) was the preferred interventional management. More than half of the patients developed air leak on spontaneous breathing. The mortality was significantly higher in patients who developed air leak with positive pressure ventilation (49%, p < 0.001) and required escalation of respiratory support (39%, p = 0.006).
CONCLUSION
Air leak in COVID-19 can occur spontaneously without positive pressure ventilation, higher transpulmonary pressures, and other risk factors like previous respiratory disease or smoking. The mortality is significantly higher if associated with positive pressure ventilation and escalation of respiratory support.
Topics: COVID-19; Female; Humans; Male; Mediastinal Emphysema; Middle Aged; Pneumothorax; SARS-CoV-2; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 34247490
DOI: 10.1177/02184923211031134