J Emerg Med. 2018 Jul;55(1):e15-e18

# Iatrogenic tracheal rupture caused by emergency intubation: a case report.

Schaeffer C, Galas T, Teruzzi B, Sudrial J, Allou N, Martinet O

BACKGROUND: Iatrogenic tracheal rupture is a rare but life-threatening complication. If suspected by clinical examination or chest radiograph, a computed tomography scan can confirm the diagnosis, but the criterion standard is a bronchoscopy. There is no consensus on its management.

CASE REPORT: A 52-year-old woman was intubated in a prehospital setting after cardiac arrest. A gradual appearance of subcutaneous emphysema was observed after intubation. A computed tomography scan revealed a complicated tracheal rupture, pneumomediastinum, and pneumothorax. The management was surgical. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Intubation in emergency conditions increases the risk of tracheal rupture and a delay in management is an important prognostic factor.