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Tracheobronchial injury (TBI) is a rare, but potentially life-threatening, complication of neck trauma...Fracture of the tracheal cartilage is most commonly the result of direct anterior blunt trauma, and can result in significant airway edema, tracheal laceration, hemoptysis, pneumothorax, and disruption of adjacent vascular structures. Cricoid cartilage fracture is associated with recurrent laryngeal nerve damage. NPL may demonstrate airway edema or bleeding. If the patient is stable, CT with contrast should be obtained to evaluate for significant tracheobronchial and vascular injuries in symptomatic patients following anterior neck trauma. Patients with tracheobronchial trauma have a high…

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Tracheobronchial injury (TBI) is a potentially life-threatening injury that can result from either penetrating or blunt trauma [1]. Its true incidence is unknown, as a great proportion of patients do not reach the hospital alive.

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Acute rupture of the trachea is a rare and life-threatening injury that may be fatal if not treated immediately. Localization of the rupture, nature and extent, mechanism, age and pre-existing risk factors have to be considered in order to define the optimal therapeutic option.

Resources

Radiology Key

The causes of airway injuries are divided into blunt trauma, penetrating trauma, or iatrogenic rupture and into neck (larynx and cervical trachea) or thoracic lesions (chest trachea and bronchi).

StatPearls

Tracheobronchial tears are uncommon injuries or lacerations or puncture occurring anywhere in the tracheobronchial tree resulting from penetrating or blunt trauma to the neck or chest, or due to iatrogenic interventions. They are associated with significant morbidity and mortality.