Delayed diagnosis of bronchial transection following blunt chest trauma

Asian Cardiovasc Thorac Ann. 2017 Sep-Oct;25(7-8):540-543. doi: 10.1177/0218492317728665. Epub 2017 Aug 25.

Abstract

Diagnosis of blunt tracheobronchial injuries can be challenging. These injuries may appear within months or years following the initial trauma. In general, diagnosis and treatment of delayed presentation of tracheobronchial injuries are uncommon. Herein, we present the case of a 48-year-old woman with complete transection of the right bronchus that was diagnosed 50 days after the initial trauma. Reconstructive surgery of the bronchus was performed successfully without any need for pulmonary resection.

Keywords: Accidents; Bronchi; Pulmonary atelectasis; Thoracic injuries; Wounds; nonpenetrating; traffic.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Accidents, Traffic*
  • Bronchi / diagnostic imaging*
  • Bronchi / injuries
  • Bronchi / surgery
  • Delayed Diagnosis*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Thoracic Injuries / diagnostic imaging*
  • Thoracic Injuries / etiology
  • Thoracic Injuries / surgery
  • Time Factors
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Wounds, Nonpenetrating / diagnostic imaging*
  • Wounds, Nonpenetrating / etiology
  • Wounds, Nonpenetrating / surgery