Pneumothorax and subcutaneous emphysema complicating endotracheal intubation.
We report subcutaneous emphysema and pneumothorax as immediate complications of endotracheal intubation in a patient with diffuse interstitial lung disease. We postulate increased intra-alveolar pressure during intubation leading to rupture of a subpleural bleb or cyst as a possible mechanism causing these complications.
D004646:Emphysema / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008478:Mediastinal Emphysema / Q000209:etiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D011030:Pneumothorax / Q000209:etiology*; D011312:Pressure; D011650:Pulmonary Alveoli / Q000503:physiopathology; D013352:Subcutaneous Emphysema / Q000209:etiology*