Chest
Volume 102, Issue 3, September 1992, Pages 935-936
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Roentgenogram of the Month
A Subtle Chest Radiographic Finding: Where Is the Pathology?

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Diagnosis: Subcutaneous emphysema secondary to a perforated diverticular abscess

The chest radiograph was remarkable for subcutaneous air along the left lateral chest wall (Fig 2), with no evidence of pneumothorax related to the attempted cental line placement. Necrotizing fasciitis along the surgical wound site and pneumomediastinum were absent. In retrospect, the patient had vague abdominal pain, heme-positive stools, and lower quadrant tenderness for at least two days prior to surgery. Postoperatively, worsening abdominal pain and altered mental status developed. The

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    (1961)
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