Bronchial rupture by an unusual mechanism of thoracic hyperextension.

BACKGROUND

Tracheobronchial disruption usually occurs in the setting of blunt chest trauma and may be overlooked due to co-existing injuries and non-specific symptoms.

OBJECTIVES

Review the mechanism, diagnosis, and therapeutic management of tracheobronchial disruption.

CASE REPORT: We present a case of a young woman with a bronchial rupture 3 weeks after accidental strangulation. Initial diagnosis was delayed due to the unusual presentation. She presented with acute respiratory failure and hemodynamic collapse after slowly progressive shortness of breath with exertion.

CONCLUSIONS

This case report provides an overview of the clinical features of bronchial disruption by highlighting the varying degrees of clinical presentation and management. Urgent bronchoscopy is indicated for diagnosis, and surgical intervention for treatment.