2007 Volume 53 Issue 5 Pages 319-323
Mediastinal emphysema is a relatively rare complication of dental treatment. This paper reports a case of mediastinal emphysema arising after CO2 laser irradiation. A 48-year-old woman underwent irradiation with a CO2 laser to treat an alveolar abscess at a dental clinic. On the same day, the patient was referred to our hospital because of difficult breathing and swelling extending from the face to neck. A CT examination revealed mediastinal emphysema. The patient was hospitalized and received anti-inflammatory therapy. The swelling subsided by the 5th day, and she was discharged on the 10th day. We have to master the proper technique for treatment and recognize this complication of CO2 laser irradiation.
