Spontaneous cervical subcutaneous and mediastinal emphysema secondary to occult sigmoid diverticulitis

Abstract

We present a case of spontaneous mediastinal and subcutaneous cervical emphysema due to perforation of an occult sigmoid diverticulitis. Mediastinal emphysema should alert the physician to the possibility of retroperitoneal gastrointestinal perforation, even in patients without signs of distinct peritoneal irritation.