Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2001; 49(6): 382-383
DOI: 10.1055/s-2001-19019
Case Report
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Left Bronchial Disruption and Aortic Rupture after Blunt Chest Trauma

O. Baron, D. Galetta, J. C. Roussel, J. L. Michaud
  • Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Department,
    Laennec Hospital, Nantes, France
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
17 December 2001 (online)

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.

References

  • 1 Strassman G. Traumatic rupture of the aorta.  Am Heart J. 1947;  33 508-515
  • 2 Bertelsen S, Howitz P. Injuries of the trachea and bronchi.  Thorax. 1972;  27 188-194
  • 3 Marzelle J, Nottin R, Dartevelle P, Lacour-Gayet F, Navajas M, Rojas Mirada A. Combined ascending aorta and left main bronchus disruption from blunt chest trauma.  Ann Thorac Surg. 1989;  47 769-771
  • 4 Sadow S H, Murray C A, Wilson R F, Mansoari S, Harrington S D. Traumatic rupture of ascending aorta and left main bronchus.  Ann Thorac Surg. 1988;  45 682-683
  • 5 Pasic M, Ewert R, Engel M, Franz M, Bergs P, Kuppe H, Hetzer R. Aortic rupture and concomitant transection of the left bronchus after blunt chest trauma.  Chest. 2000;  117 1508-1510
  • 6 Gammie J S, Shah A S, Hattler B G, Kormos R L, Peitzman A B, Griffith B P, Pham S M. Traumatic aortic rupture: diagnosis and management.  Ann Thorac Surg. 1998;  66 1295-1300
  • 7 Binet J P, Langlois J, Cormier J M, de Saint Florent G. A case of recent traumatic avulsion of the innominate artery at its origin from the aortic arch.  Thoracic Cardiovasc Surg. 1962;  43 670-676
  • 8 Symbas P N, Justicz A G, Rickets R R. Rupture of the airways from blunt trauma: treatment of complex injuries.  Ann Thorac Surg. 1992;  54 177-183
  • 9 Deslauriers J, Beaulieu M, Archambault G, Laforge J, Bernier R. Diagnosis and long-term follow-up of major bronchial disruptions due to non-penetrating trauma.  Ann Thorac Surg. 1982;  33 32-38
  • 10 Pierangeli A, Turinetto B, Galli R, Caldarera L, Fattori R, Gavelli G. Delayed treatment of isthmic aortic rupture.  Cardiovasc Surg. 2000;  8 280-283

Received for Publication: March 5, 2001

Olivier BaronMD 

Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Department
Laënnec Hospital

Boulevard J Monnod
44093 Nantes cedex
France

Phone: + 33-240-165090

Fax: + 33-240-165402

Email: olivier.baron@chu-nantes.fr