Traumatic air myelogram

Abstract

We present the case of a 60-year-old male patient admitted to our intensive care unit after a high-velocity car accident. On-site clinical examination revealed normal consciousness with no focal deficits. Chest X–Ray was suggestive of right pneumothorax with pneumomediastinum and extensive subcutaneous emphysema. CT scan revealed right pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, extensive subcutaneous emphysema and extradural pneumorachis. A right tube thoracostomy was done and the patient was placed on High flow nasal cannula at 40 lpm and 100% FiO2. There was a gradual resolution of pneumothorax and all the extra-alveolar air including pneumorachis by the 7th day. The patient was discharged in a clinically stable condition.

Keywords

• pneumothorax
• pneumomediastium
• pneumorachis