Pneumomediastinum due to Penetrating Neck Injury: A Case Report

Abstract

Penetrating neck injuries are rarely encountered, but have a highly mortal course because of the presence of many vital organs in this small region. We reported a tracheal rupture and pneumomediastinum case which occurred due to the penetration of a sharp piece of wood to the neck. The hemodynamically stable patient was evaluated by radiologic and endoscopic procedures and the pneumomediastinum and tracheal defect were found. The tracheal defect was left to heal spontaneously, the laceration was repaired cutaneously and the antibiotherapy was started. The patient recovered and was discharged from the clinic after 10-day follow-up. The unstable patients with active hemorrhages must undergo surgical exploration without any delays, but interventions must be initially avoided in stable patients as in our case. The wide spectrum antibiotics should be started in traumatic pneumomediastinum cases to prevent the development of mediastinitis.