J Korean Med Sci.  2004 Oct;19(5):756-758. 10.3346/jkms.2004.19.5.756.

Subcutaneous Emphysema Mimicking Gas Gangrene Following Perforation of the Rectum: A Case Report

• Lee KB
• Moon ES
• Jung ST
• Seo HY

• KMID: 1733523
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2004.19.5.756

Abstract

We report a case of extensive subcutaneous emphysema of the lower extremity mimicking gas gangrene following perforation of the rectum in a 38-yr-old man. Subcutaneous emphysema of the leg may rarely occur secondary to perforation of the gastrointestinal tract and has often created serious diagnostic problems and high mortality rates. Therefore, prompt diagnosis and aggressive treatment is imperative.

Keyword

Subcutaneous Emphysema; Intestinal Perforation

MeSH Terms

Adult
Diagnosis, Differential
Gas Gangrene/*radiography
Humans
Intestinal Perforation/*radiography
Male
Rectal Diseases/*radiography
Subcutaneous Emphysema/*radiography

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Roentgenograms of the right hip and lower extremity showing massive air shadow of the soft tissues.

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  Fig. 2 Barium enema showing contrast media from the upper rectum to the thigh through the fistular tract.

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  Fig. 3 Photography of the resected rectum specimen showing the perforation of the upper rectum.

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