Acute ventilatory failure from massive subcutaneous emphysema.

Conetta, R; Barman, A A; Iakovou, C; Masakayan, R J · Chest · 1993

case_report · Level V

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Abstract

A 66-year-old woman developed massive subcutaneous emphysema following intubation. Acute thoracic restriction developed resulting in life-threatening respiratory acidosis. The patient could not be ventilated with conventional means. A tracheostomy was performed to decompress the chest and mediastinum with rapid resolution following. Although ventilatory failure from subcutaneous emphysema is very unusual, decompression with tracheostomy can be life saving.

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