Subcutaneous emphysema

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Skin layers

Subcutaneous emphysema occurs when air gets into tissues under the skin covering the chest wall or neck.

Crepitus; Subcutaneous air; Tissue emphysema

Subcutaneous emphysema can often be seen as a smooth bulging of the skin. When a health care provider feels (palpates) the skin, it produces an unusual crackling sensation as the gas is pushed through the tissue.

This is a rare condition. When it does occur, possible causes include:

• Collapsed lung (pneumothorax), often occurring with a rib fracture
• Facial bone fracture
• Ruptured bronchial tube
• Ruptured esophagus

This condition can happen due to:

• Blunt trauma
• Gun shot wounds
• Stabbing

Air can also be found in between skin layers on the arms and legs or torso during certain infections, including gas gangrene.

Review Date: 10/13/2008
Reviewed By: John E. Duldner, Jr., MD, MS, Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine, Director of Research, Department of Emergency Medicine, Akron General Medical Center and Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

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