Current management of laryngotracheal trauma: case report and literature review

Changes in occurrence and management of laryngeal fractures at the Helsinki University Hospital during 25 years

PURPOSE

Laryngeal fracture is a rare but potentially life-threatening trauma. Fractures vary from mild to dislocated and extensive with risk of severe complications. This study investigated the occurrence, clinical characteristics and management of laryngeal fractures in the last 15 years.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective population-based cohort study reviewing all laryngeal fractures at the Helsinki University Hospital in 2005-2019. Patient records and imaging studies were systematically reviewed for mode of injury, fracture type, secondary complications, treatment modality, possible airway management, length of stay, and mortality. Results were compared with corresponding data from 1995 to 2004.

RESULTS

Overall 80 fracture patients were recorded (5.3/year); 79% were men and mean age was 42 years (range 18-78). Altogether 91% were closed and 9% open. While unintentional traumas were most common (54%), an increasing proportion were from intentional injury (10%) or Schaefer Gr IV in severity (35%). Altogether 46% had compromised airway and 21% needed airway intervention; airway narrowing was more common with cricoid (p = 0.042) and multiple fractures (p = 0.07) and correlated positively with amount of dislocation (p = 0.001) and number of fracture lines (p = 0.006). Surgery was performed for 33%, of which 46% were Schaefer Gr IV and 62% from intentional trauma. Mortality was 1.4%.

CONCLUSIONS

Deliberate and violence-related laryngeal fractures have increased. These often result in more extensive injuries predisposing to compromised airway and requiring surgical intervention and longer treatment. Most fractures are still treated conservatively with good long-term outcomes. An observation period of 24 h is recommended to detect any delayed complications. Mortality remains low.

High Velocity Sharp Metal Piece Penetrating the Larynx and Impacted in Oesophagus: A Rare Case Report

High speed metal foreign body (FB) caused penetrating injury, with midline fracture of the thyroid cartilage, to the larynx and got impacted in the oesophagus, later passed down to stomach. The larynx was repaired and FB was retrieved with gastrotomy under general anaesthesia. The patient was kept on total parental nutrition for 7 days and discharged on post-operative day 14.

Delayed Post-Operative Subcutaneous Emphysema

The authors present the case of an 87-year-old woman who developed a delayed onset of subcutaneous emphysema post-operatively. We discuss the causative factors - in this case, presumed injury to her hypo-pharynx during a reportedly uneventful endotracheal intubation, the investigations and the management of this rare complication.

Novel role of focused airway ultrasound in early airway assessment of suspected laryngeal trauma

Background

Upper airway injury secondary to blunt neck trauma can lead to upper airway obstruction and potentially cause a life-threatening condition. The most important aspect in the care of laryngeal trauma is to establish a secure airway. Focused airway ultrasound enables recognition of important upper airway structures, offers early opportunity to identify life-threatening upper airway injury, and allows assessment of the extent of injury. This information that can be obtained rapidly at the bedside has the potential to facilitate rapid intervention.

Case presentation

We report a case series that illustrate the diagnostic value of focused airway ultrasound in the diagnosis of laryngeal trauma in patients presenting with blunt neck injury.

Conclusion

Early recognition, appropriate triaging, accurate airway evaluation, and prompt management of such injuries are essential. In this case series, we introduce the potential role of focused airway ultrasound in suspected laryngeal trauma, and the correlation of these exam findings with that of computed tomography (CT) scanning, based on the Schaefer classification of laryngeal injury.

Blunt neck trauma at a level I trauma centre: six-year retrospective case note review

BACKGROUND

Blunt neck trauma can cause serious morbidity and mortality rates of up to 40 per cent, but there is a paucity of literature on the topic.

METHOD

A retrospective case note review was performed for all blunt neck trauma cases managed at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham between 1st January 2011 and 31st December 2017.

RESULTS

Seventeen cases were managed, with no mortality and limited morbidity. Most patients were male (70.6 per cent) and road traffic accidents were the most common cause of injury (41.2 per cent). The median age of patients was 40.6 years (range, 21.5-70.3 years). Multidetector computed tomography angiography of the neck was performed in 9 patients (52.9 per cent) with 'hot' reports made by on-duty radiology staff matching consultant reports in all but 1 case. Six patients underwent operative exploration yielding a negative exploration rate of 33.3 per cent. Imaging reports matched operative findings in 3 cases (60 per cent).

CONCLUSION

Blunt neck trauma is uncommon but usually presents in polytrauma. Imaging has inaccuracies when compared with operative findings, regardless of radiological experience.

Traumatic Airway Injuries: Role of Imaging

Airway Injuries are rare but often immediately life threatening. Incidence ranges from 0.5-2 % in blunt and 1-6 % in penetrating trauma. Upper airway injuries (UAI) are often clinically apparent and get shunted during the primary survey in the emergency department. Few UAI and majority of lower airway injuries (LAI) are occult on primary survey and need a high suspicion index. Clinically, the diagnosis of tracheobronchial injury is delayed in many patients because the airway column is maintained by the peribronchial tissue. Imaging in the form of MDCT, in conjunction with endoscopy, plays a role in delineating the exact site and extent of injury and ruling out associated vascular and esophageal injuries for definitive management of UAI. Chest radiographs and ultrasonography help raise suspicion of LAI by detection of pneumomediastinum, persistent pneumothorax and/or subcutaneous emphysema and should be followed up with multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) which is the mainstay of diagnosis. However, it requires careful evaluation of the airway tract and a thorough knowledge about the mechanism of trauma for detection of subtle injuries. Reconstructions in multiple planes and use of various post-processing techniques including minimum intensity projection (MinIP) images enhance the detection rate. The specific signs of LAI on CT include discontinuity in the tracheobronchial tree, focal intimal flap projecting in the lumen, focal soft tissue attached to the tracheal/bronchial wall, complete cut off of the bronchus/trachea and the fallen lung sign. We, hereby, illustrate the imaging spectrum of traumatic airway injuries in detail and discuss their management implications.

Systematic review of the anaesthetic management of non-iatrogenic acute adult airway trauma

INTRODUCTION

Non-iatrogenic trauma to the airway is rare and presents a significant challenge to the anaesthetist. Although guidelines for the management of the unanticipated difficult airway have been published, these do not make provision for the 'anticipated' difficult airway. This systematic review aims to inform best practice and suggest management options for different injury patterns.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted using Embase, Medline, and Google Scholar for papers after the year 2000 reporting on the acute airway management of adult patients who suffered airway trauma. Our protocol and search strategy are registered with and published by PROSPERO (http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, ID: CRD42016032763).

RESULTS

A systematic literature search yielded 578 articles, of which a total of 148 full-text papers were reviewed. We present our results categorized by mechanism of injury: blunt, penetrating, blast, and burns.

CONCLUSIONS

The hallmark of airway management with trauma to the airway is the maintenance of spontaneous ventilation, intubation under direct vision to avoid the creation of a false passage, and the avoidance of both intermittent positive pressure ventilation and cricoid pressure (the latter for laryngotracheal trauma only) during a rapid sequence induction. Management depends on available resources and time to perform airway assessment, investigations, and intervention (patients will be classified into one of three categories: no time, some time, or adequate time). Human factors, particularly the development of a shared mental model amongst the trauma team, are vital to mitigate risk and improve patient safety.

Blunt laryngeal trauma secondary to sporting injuries

BACKGROUND

Laryngeal injury after blunt trauma is uncommon, but can cause catastrophic airway obstruction and significant morbidity in voice and airway function. This paper aims to discuss a case series of sports-related blunt laryngeal trauma patients and describe the results of a thorough literature review.

METHOD

Retrospective case-based analysis of laryngeal trauma referrals over six years to a tertiary laryngology centre.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight patients were identified; 13 (46 per cent) sustained sports-related trauma. Most were young males, presenting with dysphonia, some with airway compromise (62 per cent). Nine patients were diagnosed with a laryngeal fracture. Four patients were managed conservatively and nine underwent surgery. Post-treatment, the majority of patients achieved good voice outcomes (83 per cent) and all had normal airway function.

CONCLUSION

Sports-related neck trauma can cause significant injury to the laryngeal framework and endolaryngeal soft tissues, and most cases require surgical intervention. Clinical presentation may be subtle; a systematic approach along with a high index of suspicion is essential, as early diagnosis and treatment have been reported to improve airway and voice outcome.

Laryngeal trauma: a systematic approach to management

Laryngeal trauma is an uncommon but life threatening injury which is uncommon in British practice. It often occurs as part of a multiple injury. Major laryngeal injury may cause catastrophic airway compromise and death. Minor laryngeal injuries may be missed as more severe injuries supercede the management of the larynx. This may have adverse long-term sequlae. This article presents the initial assess ment and management of the patient with laryngeal trauma. The various controversies are discussed with reference to the literature available. The surgical approaches to the larynx are described.

Patterns and outcomes of traumatic neck injuries: A population-based observational study

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to analyze the pattern and outcome of traumatic neck injury (TNI) in a small population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

It is a retrospective analysis of all TNI patients who were admitted to the trauma center between 2008 and 2012. Patients' demographics, details of TNI, associated injuries, hospital course, and mortality were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 51 TNI cases were included revealing an overall incidence of 0.61/100,000 population. The mean age was 31 ± 9 years. The most frequent mechanism of injury was motor vehicle crash (29.4%) followed by stab (17.6%), machinery injury (17.6%), fall (9.8%), and assault (7.8%). Larynx, thyroid gland, trachea, jugular veins, and carotid were the commonly injured structures. The majority of cases had Zone II TNI whereas isolated injury was observed in 11 cases. TNI were mainly presented with active bleeding (38%), hypovolemic shock (16%) and respiratory distress (16%). Surgical interventions mainly included simple repair and closure (53%), vein ligation (12%), repair of major arteries (4%), tracheal repair (6%), larynx and hypopharynx repair (4%), and repair of parotid gland (2%). Neck exploration was performed in 88%, and emergency tracheostomy was required in 18% of cases. Overall mortality rate was 11.8%, of which five patients had associated injuries, and one had isolated TNI.

CONCLUSION

TNI are not frequent but represent an alarming serious entity in Qatar. Patients with persistent signs of major injuries should undergo early operative interventions. Moreover, the effective injury prevention program should be developed to minimize these preventable injuries in the majority of cases.

Unusual case of acute tracheal injury complicated by application of positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP)

Blunt neck trauma can be caused by a variety of injuries such as deceleration, road traffic accidents and crush injuries. The worst scenario is airway rupture. We report an unusual case of acute tracheal injury in a 34-year-old Irish man who presented with a history of strangulation while working with a tractor. On arrival, he had one episode of mild haemoptysis and reported pain around the base of the neck and voice hoarseness. His chest X-ray revealed pneumopericardium and CT of thorax showed airway oedema. After elective intubation, positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) of 5 cm H2O caused deterioration in his clinical condition with increasing surgical emphysema and rise of carbon dioxide partial pressure (PaCO2), which was completely reversed after stopping PEEP. This case shows how PEEP and intermittent positive pressure ventilation can worsen air leak and compromise stability in patients with acute tracheal injury.

MDCT in the assessment of laryngeal trauma: value of 2D multiplanar and 3D reconstructions

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to analyze fracture patterns and related effects of laryngeal trauma and to assess the value of 2D multiplanar reformation (MPR) and 3D reconstruction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Among 4222 consecutively registered trauma patients who underwent emergency MDCT, 38 patients had presented with laryngeal trauma. Axial, 2D MPR, 3D volume-rendered, and virtual endoscopic images were analyzed retrospectively by two blinded observers according to predefined criteria. Laryngeal fractures, soft-tissue injuries, and airway compromise were evaluated and correlated with clinical, endoscopic, surgical, and follow-up findings.

RESULTS

Fifty-nine fractures (37 thyroid, 13 cricoid, nine arytenoid) were present in 38 patients. They were isolated in 21 (55%) patients. The other 17 (45%) patients had additional injuries to the neck, face, brain, chest, or abdomen. Laryngeal fractures were bilateral in 31 (82%) patients and were associated with hyoid bone fractures in nine (24%) patients. Arytenoid luxation was present in eight cartilages. Axial imaging missed 7 of 59 (12%) laryngeal fractures, six of eight (75%) arytenoid luxations, and four of nine (44%) hyoid bone fractures. Additional 2D MPR imaging missed 5 of 59 (8%) laryngeal fractures, five of eight (62.5%) arytenoid luxations, and two of nine (22%) hyoid bone fractures, whereas 3D volume-rendered images depicted them all. Virtual endoscopy and 3D volume rendering added diagnostic accuracy with respect to the length, width, shape, and spatial orientation of fractures in 22 of 38 (58%) patients; arytenoid luxation in six of eight (75%) luxations; and the evaluation of airway narrowing in 19 of 38 (50%) patients. Three-dimensional volume rendering was not of additional value in evaluation of the cricoid cartilage.

CONCLUSION

The use of 2D MPR and 3D volume rendering with or without virtual endoscopy improved assessment of thyroid and hyoid bone fractures, arytenoid luxations, and laryngotracheal narrowing, providing helpful data for optimal management.

Imaging of laryngeal trauma

External laryngeal trauma is a rare but potentially life-threatening situation in the acutely injured patient. Trauma mechanism and magnitude, maximum focus of the applied force, and patient related factors, such as age and ossification of the laryngeal cartilages influence the spectrum of observed injuries. Their correct diagnosis and prompt management are paramount in order to avoid patient death or long-term impairment of breathing, swallowing and speaking. The current review provides a comprehensive approach to the radiologic interpretation of imaging studies performed in patients with suspected laryngeal injury. It describes the key anatomic structures that are relevant in laryngeal trauma and discusses the clinical role of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the acute emergency situation. The added value of two-dimensional multiplanar reconstructions (2D MPR), three-dimensional volume rendering (3D VR) and virtual endoscopy (VE) for the non-invasive evaluation of laryngeal injuries and for treatment planning is discussed. The clinical presentation, biomechanics of injury, diagnostic pitfalls and pearls, common and uncommon findings are reviewed with emphasis of fracture patterns, involvement of laryngeal joints, intra- and extralaryngeal soft tissue injuries, and complications seen in the acute emergency situation. The radiologic appearance of common and less common long-term sequelae, as well as treatment options are equally addressed.

Clinical features and management of closed injury of the cervical trachea due to blunt trauma

Background

We retrospectively reviewed the presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of patients with closed injury of the cervical trachea. We evaluated factors that improve diagnosis and treatment, reduce mortality, and avoid tracheal stenosis.

Methods

We reviewed the clinical data of 17 patients with closed injury of the cervical trachea. All patients underwent CT scanning or endoscopy, tracheal exploration, low tracheotomy, and tracheal repair.

Results

In 12 patients, breathing, phonation, and swallowing functions had returned to normal at 2 weeks. In three patients, breathing and swallowing functions had recovered at 2 weeks, but hoarseness continued. In two patients, tracheal stenosis prevented extubation and required further surgery; in these patients breathing and swallowing functions had recovered at 6 months.

Conclusions

Closed injury of the cervical trachea may cause airway obstruction and is potentially life-threatening. Early diagnosis and repair to restore structure and function are important to ensure survival and avoid tracheal stenosis.

Experienced Airway Management in Laryngotracheal Injuries: Series of Cases, Survey and Review of Literature

Definitive airway control of penetrating laryngotracheal injury can be an extremely difficult challenge for the emergency physician. We report three serious cases of penetrating neck trauma with laryngeal injury that were managed successfully using different techniques of airway control in the Emergency Department (ED) of Hamad General Hospital during the three years from January 2006 through December 2008. Individualized assessment, identification of type of injury and familiarity with airway control techniques and the available options assure timely, safe and proper airway control in such injuries. Choice of technique in penetrating laryngotracheal injury is multifactorial and depends upon case presentation, physician preference, skill, and clinical constraints. The incidence of neck injury during this period was lower than in other reports; being 0.07 % of total trauma cases, while the incidence of penetrating neck injuries represented 17.6% of total neck injuries with no deaths. Implications Statement: Familiarity and availability of variant airway management techniques and variant surgical interventions in penetrating laryngotracheal injuries, improve outcome and reduce mortality.

Management of laryngeal fractures--a 10-year experience

OBJECTIVES

Laryngeal fracture patients can present with a spectrum of clinical findings ranging from normal to airway collapse and death. We will therefore examine and emphasize clinical presentation, an algorithm for appropriate diagnosis and acute airway management, and radiological or physical examination findings and demonstrate the appropriate surgical approach for optimum clinical outcome in cases of blunt and penetrating laryngeal injury. Herein, we present one of the largest series of management of laryngeal and tracheal fractures from a tertiary care level I trauma center.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective chart review from 1998 to 2008.

METHODS

A retrospective chart analysis on patients presenting to the head and neck trauma service. Institutional review board approval was obtained before the start of the research.

RESULTS

Our series consisted of 11 men and one woman with a mean age of 41.8 years presenting with laryngeal fractures caused by blunt (n=10) or penetrating (n=2) trauma. One patient presented with complete laryngotracheal separation, which was successfully managed by immediate tracheotomy and early surgical intervention. The other 11 patients had a combination of conservative (n=6) and surgical (n=5) management. All patients who required a tracheotomy (n=7) were decannulated.

CONCLUSIONS

Early suspicion and diagnosis of acute laryngeal and tracheal injuries are crucial. The airway must be secured via tracheotomy when possible. Computed tomography scans play a central role in diagnosis. Proper restoration of the laryngeal framework with appropriately timed open reduction and internal fixation is critical for optimal recovery of the airway, voice, and swallowing.

Transglottic high frequency jet ventilation for management of laryngeal fracture associated with air bag deployment injury

Blunt laryngeal trauma is an uncommon injury associated with high prehospital mortality. Conventional airway management consists of awake tracheostomy. A case of laryngeal trauma associated with air bag deployment managed with tubeless suspension laryngoscopy with high frequency transglottic jet ventilation is presented. The advantages of this technique in the management of patients who are not good candidates for awake tracheostomy are discussed.

Laryngeal trauma in sport

The larynx and surrounding soft tissues are vulnerable to injury during athletics despite protective equipment and rule modifications. Laryngeal injuries are uncommon but potentially fatal conditions that pose risks to the voice, airway, and esophagus of athletes who sustain blunt or penetrating neck trauma. Common symptoms and signs of laryngeal trauma include hoarseness, dyspnea, hemoptysis, dysphonia, respiratory distress, anterior neck tenderness, subcutaneous emphysema, and loss of normal laryngeal architecture. Diagnostic evaluation includes plain radiographs, computed tomography, and fibroscopic endoscopy. Most athletes with laryngeal injuries will require surgical treatment to restore normal regional anatomy and vocal quality. Less severe injuries may be treated with close observation, serial endoscopy, medications, and vocal rest.

Tracheal Rupture After Blunt Trauma

Tracheal injuries are uncommon after blunt trauma. Early diagnosis and urgent treatment are primordial to reduce both mortality and morbidity. We describe the case of a 45-year-old man who met with a traffic accident and was brought to the emergency department. Progressively, he developed dyspnoea and coughing. The diagnosis of a tracheal rupture was established and the rupture was closed surgically. The management of the patient with suspected tracheal rupture is discussed.

Early management of the traumatized airway

Penetrating face and neck trauma is usually obvious, but blunt trauma mandates high index of suspicion to recognize its existence. Comprehensive understanding of the injury is mandatory to plan the best timing and method to secure the airway.

Management of near fatal blunt laryngeal trauma

Blunt laryngeal trauma is uncommon, difficult to diagnose and recommended assessment and management guidelines differ. Mortality can be as high as 40%. Initial symptoms might mask the seriousness of the injury and a history of trauma is important. This report describes a case which illustrates many of the difficulties encountered. A high index of suspicion is needed, and all patients with a suspected blunt laryngeal injury, even with minor symptoms, should be taken seriously and considered for early precautionary airway intervention.