Delayed detection of subcutaneous emphysema following routine endotracheal intubation -A case report-

Abstract

A tracheal intubation-related tracheobronchial rupture is a relatively rare complication. We report a case of tracheobronchial rupture after single lumen endotracheal intubation. Twenty four hours after extubation of an endotracheal tube, subcutaneous emphysema developed on the patient's neck. A pneumomediastinum was also detected by computerized tomography (CT). The patient recovered uneventfully after conservative management.

Keywords

• delayed detection
• intubation
• subcutaneous emphysema