Pneumomediastinum due to Penetrating Neck Injury: A Case Report

Abstract

Penetrating neck injuries are rare, but have a high mortality rate because of the presence of many vital organs in this small region. We reported a tracheal rupture and pneumomediastinum case which occurred due to penetration of a sharp piece of wood to the neck. Hemodynamically stable patient was evaluated by radiologic and endoscopic procedures and the pneumomediastinum and tracheal defect were found. The tracheal defect was left to heal spontaneously, the laceration was repaired cutaneously and the antibiotherapy was started. The patient recovered and discharged from clinic after ten days follow up. The unstable patients with active hemorrhages must undergo surgical exploration without any delays, but interventions must be avoided in stable patients. The wide spectrum antibiotics should be started in traumatic pneumomediastinum cases to avoid mediastinitis.

Keywords

• neck injury
• pneumomediastinum
• tracheal rupture