Martín-Menjívar E, Vázquez MJC, Ferrero BE, Domínguez A

Language: Spanish
References: 5
Page: 58-61
PDF size: 117.76 Kb.

ABSTRACT

Pneumomediastinum has been reported in up to 10% of blunt chest trauma, of which, less than 2% is due to tracheobronchial injury. Although the cause of mediastinal emphysema remains unknown in most cases, the Macklin Effect can be described as the etiology in many of them. This case report is about a 48 years old male patient who suffered an aggression, presenting with subcutaneous emphysema affecting the neck, anterior thoracic wall down to both costal borders and both upper limbs down to the wrist. Radiological workup shows a right 30% pneumothorax, a left 40% pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum. Thus, the presence of the Macklin effect poses a diagnostic challenge in patients with blunt chest trauma, once the diagnosis is established; the long term treatment is based on the associated injuries. The Macklin effect reflects a severe blunt chest trauma, therefore the patient’s vital signs must be monitored and general condition evaluated on a regular basis in an Intensive Care Unit.

REFERENCES

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