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Rho, Yoo, Cho, and Lee: Epidural Emphysema Associated with Subcutaneous Emphysema after Chest Tube Placement: A Case Report
Case Report
Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases

Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases 2010; 69(5): 389-391.

Published online: 30 November 2010

DOI: https://doi.org/10.4046/trd.2010.69.5.389

Epidural Emphysema Associated with Subcutaneous Emphysema after Chest Tube Placement: A Case Report

Ji Young Rho, M.D., Seung Min Yoo, M.D., Young Ah Cho, M.D., Sang Min Lee, M.D.

Department of Radiology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam, Korea.

Address for correspondence: Ji Young Rho, M.D. Department of Radiology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, 351, Yatap-dong, Bundang-gu, Seongnam 463-712, Korea. Phone: 82-31-780-5404, Fax: 82-31-780-5381, rhoji@naver.com

Received 19 January 2010       Accepted 6 May 2010

Copyright © 2010. The Korean Academy of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases. All rights reserved.

Abstract

Spinal epidural emphysema is rare and has been described secondary to following medical intervention, such as lumbar puncture and epidural analgesia, pneumothorax or pneumomediastinum, degenerative disk disease, epidural abscess, and trauma. Rarely, it occurs after chest tube placement. We report a case of spinal epidural emphysema incidentally noted on HRCT after chest tube placement.

Keywords: Epidural Space, Emphysema, Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Figures and Tables

Figure 1
Initial chest radiograph revealed the right pneumothorax without subcutaneous emphysema.
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Figure 2
Follow-up chest radiograph after chest tube placement revealed the generalized subcutaneous emphysema at right chest wall and both cervical space. Also progression of right pneumothorax was seen.
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Figure 3
HRCT scan at the level of C7 and T1 revealed spinal epidural emphysema. (A) Subcutaneous emphysema (arrowhead) extended into the epidural space through the neural foramen (arrow). (B) Right pneumothorax as well as multiple apical bullae was seen.
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