Pneumothorax caused by delayed tracheal rupture in a pediatric patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome

Tracheal rupture is a potentially lethal complication of endotracheal intubation [1-3] and usually occurs shortly after intubation [4]. Such rupture presents as a linear tear and is caused by movement of an over-inflated cuff or stylet [5]. Herein, we describe a case of pneumothorax caused by tracheal rupture after 30 days of intubation. A previously healthy 8-year-old boy was admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit for severe acute respiratory distress syndrome. The patient was treated with mechanical ventilation and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Cuff pressure was managed between 20 to 30 cm H2O, and the endotracheal tube was not changed before extubation. On hospital day 30, extubation was perfomred, and spontaneous breathing was noted. On the same day, massive pneumothorax was developed and was not controlled by chest tubes. Computed tomography showed a new lesion on the trachea (Figure 1), and bronchoscopy showed an oval ischemic lesion surrounded by a Cshaped tear (Figure 2). Since the position and size of the ischemic lesion were similar to those of the cuff, we suspected that prolonged cuff pressure created ischemia, and active breathing tore the weak margin. Managing cuff pressure in children requires high caution, and suspicion of tracheal rupture should be considered as a cause of pneumothorax.