title: Chronic Expanding Hematoma in the Dorsal Cervicothoracic Region as a Long-Term Complication of Retained Bullet Fragments: Case Report.
abstract: Chronic expanding hematoma is a rare pathology, which has not been previously described as a complication of gunshot injury with retained bullet fragments. Because of the similar characteristics of chronic expanding hematoma to malignancy, it can present a diagnostic challenge for clinicians. Imaging and biopsy evaluation is needed to reach a conclusive diagnosis and implement appropriate treatment. In this case report, we will discuss the development, diagnosis, and management of a chronic superficial cervicothoracic mass in a patient who presented 30 years post-gunshot injury with retained bullet fragments.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shifa College of Medicine, Islamabad, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Avais
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Raja
authors.affiliation: Neurosurgery, Flinders Medical Centre.
authors.forename: Saima
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ahmad
authors.affiliation: Emergency Medicine, Kings Edward Medical University.
authors.forename: Salman
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ehmed
authors.affiliation: Neurosurgery, University of Maryland Medical Center Midtown Campus.
authors.forename: Terri
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Blume
authors.affiliation: Neurosurgery, University of Maryland Medical Center Midtown Campus.
authors.forename: Emmanuel K
authors.initials: EK
authors.lastname: Fai
authors.affiliation: Neurosurgery, University of Maryland Medical Center Midtown Campus.
authors.forename: Agha S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Khan
keywords: chronic expanding hematoma; retained bullet fragments