title: Extra-pleural haematoma secondary to blunt chest trauma. An unusual presentation.
abstract: The case history is described of a young man who presented with an apparent splenic rupture following thoracic compression during a rugby tackle. The actual diagnosis was that of an extra-pleural haematoma following transection of the internal mammary artery. This case is discussed within the context of the rarity of such a presentation--both in the site of the haematoma and the cause of the transection; and the problems posed in making the initial diagnosis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Brook General Hospital, Shooter's Hill, London, UK.
authors.forename: V G
authors.initials: VG
authors.lastname: Machin
authors.forename: O J
authors.initials: OJ
authors.lastname: Lau
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005538:Football / Q000293:injuries; D006406:Hematoma / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008323:Mammary Arteries / Q000293:injuries*; D011859:Radiography; D013898:Thoracic Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging