Nur YÜCEL EKİCİ, Suheyl HAYTOĞLU, Özkan KILIÇ, Osman Kürşat ARIKAN

Isolated tracheal rupture: A case report

Tracheobronchial injuries are well-recognized sequelae of massive blunt or penetrating injuries of the neck or chest especially frommotor vehicle accidents, and rarely due to simple trauma. Tracheal laceration is more common in adults, since adult’s trachea isrelatively more unprotected compared to children. Bronchoscopy is fundamental for diagnosis. CT is useful in visualization the levelof rupture. Herein, we report on an instance of a minor cervical trauma leading to isolated posterolateral tracheal wall laceration ina 46-year-old woman. We emphasize the importance of suspected tracheal injury, even with minimal trauma. We also review theliterature on posterolateral tracheal wall laceration as an isolated feature after blunt cervical trauma in adults, the mechanism ofmembranous tracheal rupture, diagnostic features and management options.

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