Extract
The presence of visible gas on radiographs is associated with various
pathological conditions, ranging from severe infections caused by
gas-producing organisms to cutaneous and subcutaneous tissue disruption that
allows an interface with the air. A high index of suspicion surrounds the
finding of gas on radiographs because of the virulence of conditions such as
gas gangrene and necrotizing fasciitis.We report a case in which proximal spread of gas in the soft tissues was
not due to a spreading infection but rather to a cutaneous ulcer that, during
walking activity, possibly acted as a one-way valve, allowing air to dissect
proximally. To our knowledge, this mechanism of gas spreading in the soft
tissues has not been reported previously. Our patient was informed that
information concerning the case would be submitted for publication.