Fig. 23
From: Non-neoplastic pathology at the crossroads between neck imaging and cardiothoracic imaging
Subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum. Lateral cervical spine radiograph (a) showing linear streaks of air (arrows) tracking along the prevertebral soft tissues of the thoracic inlet consistent with subcutaneous emphysema. Coronal (b) contrast CT image demonstrates subcutaneous air (arrows) tracking along the cervical soft tissues and fascial planes extending into the superior mediastinum (arrowhead). Axial CT chest image in lung (c) windows demonstrating air (solid arrows) within fascial planes of the superior mediastinum. Note the tracheal defect (dashed arrow) which was the source of the pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema on the lung window images