Left Bronchial Disruption and Aortic Rupture after Blunt Chest Trauma

A 25-year-old male who had been involved in a traffic accident presented with a neurological disorder, bilateral pneumothoraces, and pneumomediastinum. Bronchoscopy revealed a complex rupture of the left bronchial tract. MRI revealed a sinus valsalva aneurysm. The bronchial lesion was first repaired via left thoracotomy. 10 days later, the aorta was repaired via sternotomy. In cases of combined bronchial and aortic lesion, a concomitant repair is not mandatory, at least when the aortic lesion appears limited and shows no signs of dissection.

Key Words:

Aortic rupture - Bronchial rupture - Thoracic trauma

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Received for Publication: March 5, 2001