SIGNIFICANCE OF PNEUMOMEDIASTINUM IN BLUNT TRAUMA TO THE THORAX

Mediastinal and deep cervical emphysema are among the signs of tracheobronchial laceration. According to Eijgelaar and van der Heide and Kirsh et al., either of these signs should prompt bronchoscopy to exclude a bronchial rupture. This concept has not been emphasized in the radiologic literature. Either of these findings in a patient who has not received positive-pressure ventilation is strongly suggestive of a tracheobronchial fracture. 2 cases are reported.