Cricotracheal Separation: A Case of Delayed Diagnosis and Treatment
- Author:
A R Nur Hashima
;
M B Marina
;
A Sani
- Publication Type:Case Reports
- Keywords:
Cricotracheal separation, Laryngeal trauma
- From:
The Medical Journal of Malaysia
2011;66(2):144-145
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
A motorcyclist was involved in a motor vehicle accident and
presented with respiratory distress and neck swelling with
surgical emphysema. He sustained gross tracheal injury,
severe pneumothoraces and lung contusions. As intubation
was successful, the tracheal injury was not addressed
immediately in view of the other severe respiratory
problems. Evidence of aspiration lead to further
investigations which confirmed the diagnosis 22 days post
trauma. Thyrotracheal anastomosis was carried out without
stenting. A complete cricotracheal separation is a rare event and can be easily overlooked in the emergency department.
