Korean J Anesthesiol.  2001 Apr;40(4):546-550. 10.4097/kjae.2001.40.4.546.

Pneumothorax and Pneumomediastinum Occurred after Esophageal Perforation by a Stylet during Difficult Endotracheal Intubation

• Kim YS
• Han IS
• Ahn JK

• KMID: 2091609
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4097/kjae.2001.40.4.546

Abstract

Pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum can occur spontaneously, secondary to trauma, or from dissection of air from the neck or retroperitoneal space. The most common cause of traumatic pneumomediastinum is a rupture of the esophagus, which can occur during an episode of severe vomiting or, less frequently, following esophageal instrumention. We experienced a case of pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum, developed after esophageal perforation by stylet during difficult endotracheal intubation even though an esophagogram did not reveal the perforation site.

Keyword

Complication: pneumomediastinum; Intubation, tracheal: difficult

MeSH Terms

Esophageal Perforation*
Esophagus
Intubation, Intratracheal*
Mediastinal Emphysema*
Neck
Pneumothorax*
Retroperitoneal Space
Rupture
Vomiting