title: [Pneumomediastinum and airway obstruction after traumatic rib fractures].
abstract: We present a case of upper airway obstruction not previously reported in combination with traumatic rib fractures, pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema. A 95-year-old female presented with swelling of the face, neck and upper body. Stridor indicated upper airway obstruction and intubation was performed. A computed tomography revealed subcutaneous emphysema, pneumo-thorax, pneumomediastinum and rib fractures. Bilateral chest tubes were placed and the patient was admitted to intensive care. Upper airway obstruction should be considered in patients with chest trauma.
authors.affiliation: Ortopædkirurgisk Afdeling, Bispebjerg Hospital, Bispebjerg Bakke 23, 2400 København NV. nikolaj.sode@regionh.dk.
authors.forename: Nikolaj
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Sode
authors.forename: Philip
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Hansen
authors.forename: Jesper
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hvolris
mesh_terms: D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000209:etiology*; D004322:Drainage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008478:Mediastinal Emphysema / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D012253:Rib Fractures / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013352:Subcutaneous Emphysema / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed