ABSTRACT
Although percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) is fast becoming the method of choice for securing an airway in chronic ventilated patients in an intensive care unit (ICU). Subcutaneous emphysema is an unusual and sometimes lethal complication which may extend the length of stay in the ICU. We report a case of massive subcutaneous emphysema without tracheal wall laceration that occurred in the ICU after PDT. An 81-year-old woman was admitted to our ICU due to infective exacerbation of chronic obstructive airways disease. Her medical therapy included nebulized bronchodilators, steroids and empirical antibiotics. Within thirty-six hours of initial endotracheal intubation PDT was performed. Several hours following the procedure, the patient developed massive subcutaneous emphysema encompassing her entire body. No pneumothorax was identified on subsequent chest X-ray. Laryngoscopic and bronchoscopic examination showed no evidence of tracheal wall laceration. We discuss the etiology and management plan for this rare complication.
