[Intraspinal air, a rare complication of blunt chest trauma]

Ann Fr Anesth Reanim. 2005 Apr;24(4):421-4. doi: 10.1016/j.annfar.2005.01.014.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Pneumorachis, defined as the presence of air within the spinal canal, has rarely been described, and is exceptionally due to thoracic trauma. We report the case of a 37-year-old patient who sustained a motor vehicle accident. The chest CT-scan showed a bilateral-hemothorax, a small right pneumothorax, rib fractures, and a fracture of the fourth thoracic vertebra associated with air in the spinal canal extending from T6 to L2. The fracture of T4 associated with the pleural lesion is probably responsible for the pneumorachis. Possible pathogenic mechanisms of this rare blunt chest complication are discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Accidents, Traffic
  • Adult
  • Air*
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Hemothorax / complications
  • Hemothorax / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pneumothorax / complications
  • Pneumothorax / diagnostic imaging
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome / etiology
  • Rib Fractures / complications
  • Rib Fractures / diagnostic imaging
  • Spinal Fractures / complications
  • Spinal Fractures / diagnostic imaging
  • Spinal Injuries / complications*
  • Thoracic Injuries / complications*
  • Thoracic Vertebrae / injuries
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Wounds, Nonpenetrating / complications*