Is it possible to experience subcutaneous emphysema without having mediastinal emphysema?

Subcutaneous emphysema refers to the presence of air or gas trapped under the skin, typically resulting from a breach in a respiratory tract or injury that allows air to escape into the surrounding soft tissues. Mediastinal emphysema, on the other hand, is the accumulation of air within the mediastinum, which is the central compartment of the thoracic cavity, surrounded by the lungs.

It is indeed possible to experience subcutaneous emphysema without having mediastinal emphysema. This situation can occur when there is a direct connection between the airways and subcutaneous tissue due to trauma, surgical procedures, or other factors, without the air traveling to the mediastinum. The two conditions can occur independently based on the mechanism of injury or pathology.

While subcutaneous emphysema may sometimes accompany mediastinal emphysema, it is not a strict requirement. Each condition can have distinct causes and pathways, and one can manifest without the other. Therefore, the possibility of their occurrence being mutually exclusive highlights the correct understanding of the physiological processes involved.