Extensive subcutaneous emphysema masquerading as anaphylaxis

Abstract

Road traffic accident is not uncommon in India. Though the chest injury is less common after road traffic accident it may present atypically. Delay in diagnosis of a life threatening chest injury may lead to death. We are reporting a case of extensive subcutaneous emphysema after road traffic accident. The subcutaneous emphysema was due to tension pneumothorax, which was managed in time to save the patient.

Keywords

• anaphylaxis
• subcutaneous emphysema
• tension pneumothorax