A CASE OF BRONCHIAL RUPTURE CAUSED BY BLUNT TRAUMA

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.