Large extrapleural hematoma in an anticoagulated patient after a thoracic blunt trauma.
We report the 7th case of a traumatic extrapleural hematoma that developed in an anticoagulated patient with a thoracic blunt trauma and rib fractures, and required an emergency surgical treatment. Extrapleural hematoma is a rare and life-threatening condition characterized by a collection of blood between the pleura parietalis and the endothoracic fascia. Related symptoms and chest x-ray findings are not characteristic and may present several hours after the injury, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment. Etiological, surgical and prognostic implications of this finding are briefly discussed.
Department of Surgery Pietro Valdoni, University of Rome, La Sapienza, Italy, Servizio Speciale di Chirurgia d'Urgenza 1. andreamingoli@hotmail.com
A
A
Mingoli
M
M
Assenza
R
R
Petroni
A
A
Antoniozzi
G
G
Brachini
I
I
Clementi
C
C
Modini
D000368:Aged; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006406:Hematoma / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019106:Postoperative Hemorrhage / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D011379:Prognosis; D012253:Rib Fractures / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D013898:Thoracic Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*
D000925:Anticoagulants