Iatrogenic tracheal rupture in a child: case study and review of literature.

Abstract

Tracheal rupture is rare in childhood, and optimal treatment is not clear. A 14-year-old boy was admitted to a local hospital after sudden loss of consciousness. He underwent endotracheal intubation and was referred to our hospital. The patient's history revealed that he had voluntarily inhaled butane gas. The physical examination was consistent with coma and cardiogenic shock, and the chest radiograph showed pulmonary edema. The patient was admitted to the intensive care unit, and diuretic and inotropic therapy was started. In the third hour of monitoring of the patient under mechanical ventilation, subcutaneous emphysema and pneumothorax at the right hemithorax were observed without deterioration of the vital functions. Thoracic computed tomography scan findings were consistent with tracheal rupture. The patient was monitored conservatively without surgery. On the fifth day of hospitalization, his tube was removed, and he was discharged on the 12th day with a positive prognosis. In this study, a tracheal rupture case after endotracheal intubation is presented in which the patient recovered completely with conservative therapy.

• Authors: Muhammet Sukru Paksu, Ayse Ayzit Kilinc, Nazik Asilioglu, Mithat Gunaydin, Turgay Aydin, Ahmet Guzel
• Journal: Pediatric emergency care (Pediatr Emerg Care) Vol. 29 Issue 8 Pg. 934-8 (Aug 2013) ISSN: 1535-1815 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 23925255 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Butanes
• butane

Topics

• Adolescent
• Bronchoscopy
• Butanes
• Humans
• Iatrogenic Disease
• Intubation, Intratracheal (adverse effects)
• Male
• Pneumothorax (etiology)
• Rupture (diagnosis, diagnostic imaging, etiology)
• Subcutaneous Emphysema (etiology)
• Tomography, X-Ray Computed
• Trachea (diagnostic imaging, injuries)