[Soft tissue emphysema as manifestation of perforating diverticulitis].

Pronounced soft-tissue emphysema expressing disseminated fecal abscess formation in perforated colonic diverticulitis is described. Cervical, mediastinal, and thoracic dissemination and involvement of the scrotal space and the thigh reveal the original retroperitoneal localization as well as the unusual but potential dissemination. The diagnostic methods are described.