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.

Keywords

• Airway management
• blunt neck trauma
• blunt tracheal trauma
• pneumomediastinum
• pneumothorax