Spontaneous Tracheal Rupture in a Case of Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD): A Case Report

Spontaneous tracheal rupture is one of the rare life threatening conditions. Tracheal lacerations are generally secondary to cervical or chest trauma or occurring as a complication of endotracheal intubation. Only two cases of spontaneous tracheal rupture are reported, in adults, one due to acquired tracheobronchomalacia and other due to long term steroid use. We hereby report a very rare case of spontaneous tracheal rupture in young male patient of interstitial lung disease (ILD) who was on steroids for two months and developed spontaneous subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum. Tracheal rupture was diagnosed on unenhanced computed tomography (CT) and reconstructed virtual bronchoscopic images. Patient subsequently died due to cardiac arrest.