Iatrogenic tracheal rupture in a patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome due to SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia.

ABSTRACT

Iatrogenic tracheal rupture (ITR) is a serious complication secondary to procedures such as emergent orotracheal intubation or tracheostomy, among others. The management of ITR depends on the size, extension and location of the injury, along with the patient's respiratory status and comorbidities. The priority of treatment is to keep the airway permeable to ensure adequate ventilation. We present the case of a tracheal rupture after performing a percutaneous tracheostomy, in a patient diagnosed with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome secondary to bilateral interstitial pneumonia due to SARS-Cov-2. The issues are discussed, such as the management (conservative vs. surgical) depending on the features of the injury and the patient, in the extraordinary context that the COVID-19 pandemic has entailed.