Iatrogenic Tracheal Rupture Caused by Emergency Intubation: A Case Report

Publication date: July 2018

Source: The Journal of Emergency Medicine, Volume 55, Issue 1

Author(s): Christopher Schaeffer, Thomas Galas, Bettina Teruzzi, Jerome Sudrial, Nicolas Allou, Olivier Martinet

Abstract

Background

Iatrogenic tracheal rupture is a rare but life-threatening complication. If suspected by clinical examination or chest radiograph, a computed tomography scan can confirm the diagnosis, but the criterion standard is a bronchoscopy. There is no consensus on its management.

Case Report

A 52-year-old woman was intubated in a prehospital setting after cardiac arrest. A gradual appearance of subcutaneous emphysema was observed after intubation. A computed tomography scan revealed a complicated tracheal rupture, pneumomediastinum, and pneumothorax. The management was surgical.

Why Should An Emergency Physician Be Aware of This?

Intubation in emergency conditions increases the risk of tracheal rupture and a delay in management is an important prognostic factor.

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