Abstract
Tracheobronchial disruption is a rare finding among the spectrum of injuries associated with blunt chest trauma. Furthermore, the presence of bronchial rupture is seldom appreciated in the acute setting, permitting a variety of potential subacute and long-term complications to ensue. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging can often be limited in their ability to recognize the presence of significant airway injury. We present a case of blunt chest trauma associated with complete bronchial transection that was characterized by delayed recognition, resulting in eventual endobronchial granulation with complete airway occlusion. On diagnosis, the patient underwent a successful surgical end-to-end bronchial anastomosis and was discharged home without further complication.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 203-208 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Clinical Pulmonary Medicine |
Volume | 13 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - May 1 2006 |
Keywords
- Blunt chest trauma
- Bronchial rupture
- Bronchial transection
- Lung
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
- Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine