Unrecognized blunt tracheal trauma with massive pneumomediastinum and tension pneumothorax

Abstract

Blunt neck trauma with an associated laryngotracheal injury is rare. We report a patient with blunt neck trauma who came to the emergency room and was sent to ward without realizing the seriousness of the situation. He presented later with respiratory distress and an anesthesiologist was called in for emergency airway management. Airway management in such a situation is described in this report.

Systematic review of spontaneous pneumomediastinum: A survey of 22 years’ data

“…Thoracic surgeons in particular should always remember that pneumomediastinum could be present in not so benign entities such as mediastinitis, after endoscopic procedures, and in trauma patients among others. [31][32][33] Therefore, it is of the outmost importance for the physician to recognize pertinent clinical data in order to stop a potential catastrophe when gas is encountered in the mediastinal spaces, and to choose the optimal management between dynamic observation and a life-saving surgical procedure.…”