Enfisema subcutáneo benigno: un caso raro y revisión de la literatura.

Abstract

A 73-year-old woman who came to the emergency department referred by her gp doctor due a finding of crepitus and local temperature increase, on the examination of the left upper limb. She has a wound on her left elbow, in the process of healing by secondary intention, after a fall 4 days ago. She associates not feeling good at all, chills and even some fever peak. Laboratory findings reveal slightly elevated inflammatory markers. Computed tomography shows subcutaneous emphysema and some bubbles between muscle planes. Given the possible emergency situation, it decided to put the patient nil by mouth to go to theatre as soon as possible and be admitted to the ward with intravenous antibiotic treatment. However, the patient was stable at all times and with the good evolution during the time she was in the ward, presenting clinical improvement and analytical stability, it was decided to discharge her after 3 days.