CTICases ← All cases

Pneumatic esophageal rupture from air compressor injury

Imaging findings

Chest radiograph and CT show extensive pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema tracking into the neck, along with periesophageal gas in the lower mediastinum. The patient had placed an air compressor nozzle in/near his mouth, causing a large esophageal rupture.

Key takeaways

Inhalation of high-pressure air from a compressor nozzle can lead to a pneumatic esophageal rupture. This is a devastating injury that causes massive pneumomediastinum and requires urgent surgical intervention.

AI-assisted summary — may contain errors. Verify against the source video. Learn more

More from this webinar

See all cases from September 6, 2019 →

Related Trauma cases

Browse all Trauma cases →