Massive pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema secondary to isolated zygomaticomaxillary complex fracture.

Posttraumatic subcutaneous emphysema is a well-known complication after facial injury, but diffusion of gas into the mediastinum is uncommon. There are only a few cases described in the literature of a pneumomediastinum (PM) after an isolated facial trauma. We report a case of posttraumatic facial emphysema and PM after an isolated zygomaticomaxillary complex fracture due to assault.The diagnosis of PM and its extension until the diaphragm were confirmed by computed tomogram. The patient recovered after treatment with antibiotics and analgesia. The zygomaticomaxillary complex fracture was treated 10 days later.