[Subcutaneous emphysema in gastrointestinal tract perforation].

Perforation of the gastrointestinal tract can lead to retroperitoneal abscess formation. Clinical signs and symptoms are often non-characteristic. In undetected cases the first sign of perforation may be subcutaneous emphysema. The place where this first appears correlates with the localization of the perforation. The pathogenetic mechanisms and clinical features are discussed, with reference to a case report.