Spontaneous tension haemopneumothorax
2008

Case Report of Spontaneous Tension Haemopneumothorax

publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Patterson Benjamin Oliver, Itam Sarah, Probst Fey

Primary Institution: Department of Emergency Medicine, Charing Cross Hospital, London

Conclusion

Spontaneous tension pneumothorax is very rare but requires treatment similar to other types, and may be associated with haemothorax.

Supporting Evidence

  • Spontaneous haemopneumothorax occurs in 1-12% of spontaneous pneumothorax cases.
  • The patient experienced sudden chest pain and difficulty breathing.
  • Immediate treatment improved the patient's vital signs.
  • 1300 mls of blood were drained from the patient's pleural cavity.
  • The patient underwent urgent thoracotomy after initial treatment failed.
  • Continued bleeding was discovered in a ruptured apical bulla.
  • The patient made a good recovery and was discharged without complications.

Takeaway

Sometimes, people can get a serious lung problem called tension haemopneumothorax without any injury. It needs quick treatment to help them breathe again.

Methodology

The case report details the diagnosis and treatment of a patient with spontaneous tension haemopneumothorax, including imaging and surgical intervention.

Limitations

The case report is based on a single patient, limiting generalizability.

Participant Demographics

A 35-year-old man.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1757-7241-16-12

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