Korean Journal of Anesthesiology  2001;40(4):546-550

doi:10.4097/kjae.2001.40.4.546

Pneumothorax and Pneumomediastinum Occurred after Esophageal Perforation by a Stylet during Difficult Endotracheal Intubation.

Yee Suk KIM 1 ; In Su HAN ; June Kyu AHN

Affiliations

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Keywords

Complication: pneumomediastinum; Intubation, tracheal: difficult

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

Korean

Abstract

Pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum can occur spontaneously, secondary to trauma, or from dissection of air from the neck or retroperitoneal space. The most common cause of traumatic pneumomediastinum is a rupture of the esophagus, which can occur during an episode of severe vomiting or, less frequently, following esophageal instrumention. We experienced a case of pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum, developed after esophageal perforation by stylet during difficult endotracheal intubation even though an esophagogram did not reveal the perforation site.