A PATIENT WITH LARYNGEAL INJURY SUSTAINED IN A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT

Abstract

　　We encountered a 64-year-old male with laryngeal injury sustained in a traffic accident. CT showed thyroid cartilage fracture and surrounding hematoma. Neither dyspnea nor hoarseness was observed. After about 4 hours, CT was performed again, which demonstrated slight compression and narrowing of the airway, suggesting airway obstruction. Endotracheal intubation was performed to maintain the airway patency. He subsequently underwent tracheotomy and thyroid cartilage reconstruction. His postoperative course was favorable, and he was discharged. In this patient, although there were few symptoms suggesting airway obstruction, preventive endotracheal intubation was performed based on CT findings, and a favorable result was obtained. In patients with laryngeal injury, evaluation and management of the airway should be the first priority even if there are few symptoms, and follow-up not only by physical examination but also by imaging techniques is necessary.