A Case of Pneumomediastinum Caused by a Closed Injury of the Larynx.

A 14-year-old girl with a closed injury of the larynx is reported. The patient's primary complaint was aphonia, and dysphagia occurred one day after an accidental contusion on her anterior neck. Computed tomography revealed an extensive neck emphysema including pneumomediastinum and fracture of the thyroid cartilage. After tracheostomy under local anesthesia, laryngoplasty and drainage of the mediastinum was performed under general anesthesia. After the operation, antibiotics and steroids were administered and continuous suctioning of the drainage was performed, resulting in a good postoperative course. In the case of a closed injury of the larynx, dyspnea due to upper airway edema and, pneumomediastinum are sometimes induced, resulting in a life-threating state. Therefore intensive care and follow-up taking conservation of the air way into consideration are necessary.