title: Management of near fatal blunt laryngeal trauma.
abstract: Blunt laryngeal trauma is uncommon, difficult to diagnose and recommended assessment and management guidelines differ. Mortality can be as high as 40%. Initial symptoms might mask the seriousness of the injury and a history of trauma is important. This report describes a case which illustrates many of the difficulties encountered. A high index of suspicion is needed, and all patients with a suspected blunt laryngeal injury, even with minor symptoms, should be taken seriously and considered for early precautionary airway intervention.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Colonial War Memorial Hospital, Suva, Fiji. lizdianeirwin@yahoo.com.au
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Irwin
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Lonnée
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000768:Anesthesia, General; D006685:Hoarseness / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007828:Laryngoscopy; D007830:Larynx / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D008297:Male; D011175:Positive-Pressure Respiration; D013352:Subcutaneous Emphysema / Q000209:etiology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*