CTICasesTraumatic Pleurocutaneous Fistula with Cartilaginous Fracture
Imaging findings
Imaging revealed extensive subcutaneous gas, a pneumothorax, and a defect in the chest wall, including a cartilaginous rib fracture and rupture of intercostal muscles and endothoracic fascia. A tiny communication was identified between the lung apex and this chest wall defect, consistent with a traumatic pleurocutaneous fistula and alveolar rupture, contributing to a persistent air leak.
Key takeaways
Traumatic cartilaginous rib fractures can lead to complex chest wall injuries, including pleurocutaneous fistulas, where air from the lung tracks through a defect in the chest wall to the subcutaneous tissues. Such fistulas can complicate pneumothorax drainage by causing persistent air leaks.
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