Tension hemothorax caused by a ruptured aneurysm of the descending thoracic aorta: report of a a case.
The rupture of an aneurysm of the descending thoracic aorta into the right thoracic cavity is a comparatively rare event, and it is very difficult to establish a diagnosis immediately and rescue such patients. We describe herein the successful surgical treatment of a patient with this life-threatening emergency by initiating immediate cardiopulmonary bypass. It is mandatory to drain the right thoracic bleeding through a left thoracotomy without delay to release the tension hemothorax. Furthermore, it is necessary to evacuate the right thoracic hematoma through a right thoracotomy because complete removal o f a hugh hematoma through a left thoracotomy cannot be effectively achieved.
Ootaki
Y
Y
Department of Surgery, Kobe University School of Medicine, Japan.
Okada
M
M
Yamashita
C
C
Sugimoto
T
T
Wakiyama
H
H
D000368:Aged; D017545:Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery; D001019:Aortic Rupture / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery; D002315:Cardiopulmonary Bypass; D005260:Female; D006491:Hemothorax / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007430:Intraoperative Care; D013908:Thoracotomy