Long tracheobronchial and esophageal rupture after blunt chest trauma: injury by airway bursting.

Tracheobronchial rupture can be associated with blunt thoracic trauma. An important factor in the physiopathology of these lesions is reflex closure of the glottis, which can be related to closed chest trauma. We report a case of nonpenetrating thoracic trauma that caused a long membranous tracheal rupture from the subcricoid area to the main carina, extending to both main bronchi. In addition, a complex esophageal rupture occurred due to the great energy liberated by the airway rupture acting as a real tracheal burst. Both lesions were diagnosed by flexible bronchoscopy. The postoperative period was without serious complications.