Benign subcutaneous emphysema

The rarely described benign subcutaneous emphysema can occur in different regions of the body. Air entrapment close to a joint is frequently in the extremities. Accidents involving pneumatic devices have also been reported as a cause. With respect to treatment, life-threatening emphysema of infectious origin must be ruled out but is not always possible with certainty, particularly in the early stage. During the initial treatment in the emergency room, in addition to the clinical picture the laboratory risk indicator for necrotizing fasciitis (LRINEC) score is also available. If there are doubts about the benign nature of the emphysema, a surgeon with experience in soft tissue infections must be consulted at an early stage. The timely certain exclusion of a potentially life-threatening gas-forming soft tissue infection, such as necrotizing fasciitis, can sometimes only be achieved through surgical exploration, which can be avoided with an adequate diagnosis in the emergency room