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case_images: Digital topogram of the patient at initial examination (supine position). Pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema are suspected
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case_images: The chest X-ray film showed mediastinal and soft tissue emphysema, without pneumothorax [Figure 1].
case_images: Initial chest CT depicts a large tear - gap in the posterior tracheal wall, with concomitant mediastinal and subcutaneous emphysema
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case_images: The first computer tomography (CT) scan of the chest showed a rupture of the membranous portion of the thoracic tracheal wall, at a total length of 12 cm from the sixth to tenth cartilaginous ring [Figures 2 and 3].
case_images: Initial chest CT at a lower level shows pneumomediastinum
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case_images: The first computer tomography (CT) scan of the chest showed a rupture of the membranous portion of the thoracic tracheal wall, at a total length of 12 cm from the sixth to tenth cartilaginous ring [Figures 2 and 3].
case_images: Follow-up CT of the thorax a week later. There is a focal thickening of the tracheal wall at the site of initial tear. No discernible gap at the posterior tracheal wall
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case_images: A second CT neck and chest scan, 7 days later, showed that there was an improvement in the subcutaneous emphysema as well as tracheal tearing [Figures 4 and 5].
case_images: Follow-up CT a week later at mediastinal level shows partial resolution of pneumomediastinum
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case_images: A second CT neck and chest scan, 7 days later, showed that there was an improvement in the subcutaneous emphysema as well as tracheal tearing [Figures 4 and 5].
case_images: Same level as Figure 3 a month later. Barely visible thin web at the posterior tracheal wall, most possibly representing scarring at the site of the tear
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case_images: One month later, new CT scans revealed that there was no tracheal tearing and the patient was in fine condition without any symptoms [Figure 6].