Retropharyngeal and cervicofacial subcutaneous emphysema after maxillofacial trauma.

INTRODUCTION

Subcutaneous emphysema in the cervical region is a well-documented event that may occur secondary to tonsillectomy, dental treatment, oropharyngeal barotraumas, scaling and root planning therapy, punch biopsy, endotracheal intubation, orthognathic surgery, extraction of impacted teeth, or after maxillofacial trauma. After trauma episodes, subcutaneous emphysema may be caused by a maxillary antral wall fracture that occurs when air pressure is introduced into the fascial planes of the connective tissue. Retropharyngeal emphysema is a severe condition associated with traumatic aerodigestive tract injury and may be associated with life-threatening situations requiring prompt attention and diagnosis in order to prevent serious consequences.

CASE REPORT: We reported a case of cervicofacial and retropharyngeal emphysema in a 54-year-old patient who stated concerns after blowing his nose several times after a traumatic episode involving orbitozygomatic region. During the patient's hospital course, his airway remained stable, and he was discharged from the hospital 7 days later with a prognosis of full recovery, excellent occlusion and facial appearance, and complete resolution of subcutaneous emphysema.