J Korean Soc Emerg Med.  1997 Mar;8(1):103-108.

A CASE OF BRONCHIAL RUPTURE CAUSED BY BLUNT TRAUMA

• Jeong JY
• Kweon JB
• Sim SB
• Park K

Abstract

Traumatic rupture of the major airways may be caused by blunt or penetrating injury. The incidence of blunt trauma has risen dramatically in this century with the increase in modern high-velocity transportation. Clinical presentation of bronchial injuries in blunt trauma is varied, and the initial diagnostic evaluation is often misleading. The emphasis in management of these injuries is on early diagnosis and intervention. We experienced a case of bronchial rupture caused by blunt trauma. A 5-year-old male visited Emergency Room complaining of severe dyspnea and chest pain after traffic accident. Chest X-ray showed left tension pneumothorax. After emergent closed-thoracostomy, persistent air leakage and collapse of the left lung were noted. Chest CT revealed cut-off of left main bronchus and "dropped lung". Bronchoscopic examination confirmed the rupture of left main bronchus including proximal part of upper lobe bronchus. The patient underwent left upper lobectomy and bronchoplasty by using interrupted 4-0 Vicryl sutures. The postoperative course was uneventful.

Keyword

Bronchial rupture; Blunt trauma

MeSH Terms

Accidents, Traffic
Bronchi
Chest Pain
Child, Preschool
Dyspnea
Early Diagnosis
Emergency Service, Hospital
Humans
Incidence
Lung
Male
Pneumothorax
Polyglactin 910
Rupture*
Sutures
Thorax
Tomography, X-Ray Computed
Transportation
Polyglactin 910