Abstract
Introduction: Blunt thoracic trauma is not common in the pediatric population and usually results in pulmonary contusion, but other injuries may be present, especially in the presence of rib fractures. Case Report: We describe a case of blunt thoracic trauma that was complicated by rib fractures and associated lung herniation, which is a rare complication of such an injury. Imaging modalities as well as repair options are discussed. Conclusion: Thoracic trauma in children, while rare, can be associated with significant injury. Often, associated clinical symptoms may be subtle in children, making detection difficult. Recognition of injuries associated with non-penetrating thoracic trauma is critical to ensure proper treatment and recovery in children. (This page in not part of the published article.) International Journal of Case Reports and Images, Vol. 7 No. 4, April 2016. ISSN – [0976-3198] Int J Case Rep Imag 2016;7(4):240–244. www.ijcasereportsandimages.com Vezzetti et al. 240 CASE REPORT OPEN ACCESS Pediatric traumatic pulmonary herniation: A case report Robert Vezzetti, Peter Cosgrove, Julie Sanchez, Gael Lonergan
Highlights
Blunt thoracic trauma is not common in the pediatric population and usually results in pulmonary contusion, but other injuries may be present, especially in the presence of rib fractures
Blunt thoracic trauma typically does not result in clinically significant injury but when present can be associated with other intrathoracic injuries, including rib fractures, pneumothorax, hemothorax, and pulmonary contusions
The presence of rib fractures has been shown to be associated with other pathology, including intracranial and intraabdominal injuries, [5] and their presence should alert the clinician to this possibility
Summary
Blunt thoracic trauma is not common in the pediatric population and usually results in pulmonary contusion, but other injuries may be present, especially in the presence of rib fractures. Case Report: We describe a case of blunt thoracic trauma that was complicated by rib fractures and associated lung herniation, which is a rare complication of such an injury. Conclusion: Thoracic trauma in children, while rare, can be associated with significant injury. Recognition of injuries associated with non-penetrating thoracic trauma is critical to ensure proper treatment and recovery in children. International Journal of Case Reports and Images (IJCRI) is an international, peer reviewed, monthly, open access, online journal, publishing high-quality, articles in all areas of basic medical sciences and clinical specialties. IJCRI publishes Review Articles, Case Series, Case Reports, Case in Images, Clinical Images and Letters to Editor. Website: www.ijcasereportsandimages.com (This page in not part of the published article.)
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