Biomaterial Database

Spontaneous retropharyngeal emphysema--case report. 1991

J K Siow

Department of Otolaryngology, Singapore General Hospital.

Retropharyngeal emphysema is a radiological finding with a cause for concern. When associated with oesophageal perforation due to an impacted foreign body or recent oesophageal instrumentation, it heralds potentially fatal complications such as mediastinitis. Early diagnosis leading to prompt surgical intervention is essential. Spontaneous retropharyngeal emphysema is an uncommon disease entity. Its clinical course is relatively benign and recovery usually uneventful. Two cases are presented. The anatomy etiology and pathophysiology of the disease are reviewed. Barium swallow studies are recommended for all cases of retropharyngeal emphysema to exclude oesophageal perforation due to foreign body impaction and Boerhaave's syndrome.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D008297	Male		Males
D008478	Mediastinal Emphysema	Presence of air in the mediastinal tissues due to leakage of air from the tracheobronchial tree, usually as a result of trauma.	Emphysema, Mediastinal,Interstitial Emphysema,Interstitial Emphysema of Lung,Pneumomediastinum,Pulmonary Interstitial Emphysema,Emphysema, Interstitial,Emphysema, Pulmonary Interstitial,Emphysemas, Pulmonary Interstitial,Interstitial Emphysema, Pulmonary,Interstitial Emphysemas, Pulmonary,Lung Interstitial Emphysema,Mediastinal Emphysemas,Pneumomediastinums,Pulmonary Interstitial Emphysemas
D010608	Pharyngeal Diseases	Pathological processes involving the PHARYNX.	Diseases of Pharynx,Pharynx Diseases,Disease, Pharyngeal,Disease, Pharynx,Diseases, Pharyngeal,Diseases, Pharynx,Pharyngeal Disease,Pharynx Disease
D010614	Pharynx	A funnel-shaped fibromuscular tube that conducts food to the ESOPHAGUS, and air to the LARYNX and LUNGS. It is located posterior to the NASAL CAVITY; ORAL CAVITY; and LARYNX, and extends from the SKULL BASE to the inferior border of the CRICOID CARTILAGE anteriorly and to the inferior border of the C6 vertebra posteriorly. It is divided into the NASOPHARYNX; OROPHARYNX; and HYPOPHARYNX (laryngopharynx).	Throat,Pharynxs,Throats
D011859	Radiography	Examination of any part of the body for diagnostic purposes by means of X-RAYS or GAMMA RAYS, recording the image on a sensitized surface (such as photographic film).	Radiology, Diagnostic X-Ray,Roentgenography,X-Ray, Diagnostic,Diagnostic X-Ray,Diagnostic X-Ray Radiology,X-Ray Radiology, Diagnostic,Diagnostic X Ray,Diagnostic X Ray Radiology,Diagnostic X-Rays,Radiology, Diagnostic X Ray,X Ray Radiology, Diagnostic,X Ray, Diagnostic,X-Rays, Diagnostic
D004646	Emphysema	A pathological accumulation of air in tissues or organs.
D005260	Female		Females
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000293	Adolescent	A person 13 to 18 years of age.	Adolescence,Youth,Adolescents,Adolescents, Female,Adolescents, Male,Teenagers,Teens,Adolescent, Female,Adolescent, Male,Female Adolescent,Female Adolescents,Male Adolescent,Male Adolescents,Teen,Teenager,Youths
D001466	Barium Sulfate	A compound used as an x-ray contrast medium that occurs in nature as the mineral barite. It is also used in various manufacturing applications and mixed into heavy concrete to serve as a radiation shield.	Barite,Baritop,Barium Sulfate (2:1),E-Z-CAT,Micropaque Oral,E Z CAT,EZCAT,Sulfate, Barium