Tracheal Rupture After Blunt Trauma

Abstract

Tracheal injuries are uncommon after blunt trauma. Early diagnosis and urgent treatment are primordial to reduce both mortality and morbidity. We describe the case of a 45-year-old man who met with a traffic accident and was brought to the emergency department. Progressively, he developed dyspnoea and coughing. The diagnosis of a tracheal rupture was established and the rupture was closed surgically. The management of the patient with suspected tracheal rupture is discussed.

Keywords: Blunt trauma; Chest trauma; Difficult airway; Dyspnoea; Laryngeal trauma; Subcutaneous emphysema; Tracheal rupture.