Aortic rupture and concomitant transection of the left bronchus after blunt chest trauma

We report a patient with traumatic aortic rupture and preoperatively unreco gnized complete disruption of the bronchus for the left lower lobe. Preoper ative state was complicated by inadequate oxygenation due to total atelecta sis of the unventilated collapsed left lower lobe with consequent significa nt shunting of the unoxygenated blood. The patient had no massive pneumotho rax because the intact peribronchial tissue and pleura covered the injured place, preventing important air leakage. The suspicion of possible concomit ant tracheobronchial injury and early diagnostic bronchoscopy are important in patients with aortic rupture after blunt chest trauma.