Rupture of an ascending and descending thoracic aortic aneurysm causing tension hemothorax: a case report.
BACKGROUND
A ruptured thoracic aortic aneurysm is a life-threatening condition and can lead to a tension hemothorax.


OBJECTIVE
To describe the presentation and management of a case of a tension hemothorax.


METHODS
An 84-year-old woman presented in respiratory distress and was found to have a tension hemothorax. The cause was the rupture of an ascending and descending thoracic aortic aneurysm. She was managed with intubation, mechanical ventilation, and chest tube placement with stabilization. Definitive operative repair was deferred due to the patient's comorbidities and wishes of the family.


CONCLUSIONS
A tension hemothorax can result from an ascending and descending thoracic aneurysm, as this case describes. Emergent therapy is necessary as this is a life-threatening condition.
Division of Medical Toxicology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA.
Anthony
A
Pizon
Brad J
BJ
Bissell
Nathan
N
Gilmore
D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001011:Aorta; D017545:Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / Q000150:complications*; D001019:Aortic Rupture / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy*; D015505:Chest Tubes; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006491:Hemothorax / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D011859:Radiography; D012121:Respiration, Artificial