A Case of Penetrating Airway Injury Incurred While Mowing

Abstract

Background. We herein report a case in which the mechanism of injury was unclear, and a diagnosis was ultimately made based on imaging and bronchoscopy findings. Case. An 83-year-old man fell while using an electric mower and bruised the chest. Subsequently, persistent hemoptysis with coughing was observed, and the patient was referred to our hospital. A small incision had been made in the anterior neck and chest. Thoracic computed tomography revealed bilateral lung-dominant ground-glass opacity, suggestive of blood accumulation, along with bright nodules suspected of being foreign bodies in the tracheal endometrium and subcutaneous area of the right anterior chest. Bronchoscopy suggested a penetrating injury to the trachea, but the foreign body could not be directly observed. Finally, the foreign body was surgically removed using a lateral left cervical approach. It was found to be a fragment of the electric mower. Conclusion. We encountered a case in which a foreign body in the airway due to trauma was found. It may be difficult to diagnose foreign bodies with small puncture wounds. An early diagnosis based on a detailed history taking is important.