Eureka! A surprising appearance after aspiration of a haemopneumothorax: treat the patient not the radiograph

Emerg Med J. 2005 Aug;22(8):593-4. doi: 10.1136/emj.2003.010561.

Abstract

We describe the aspiration of a traumatic haemopneumothorax and an unexpected anteroposterior chest radiograph finding after the procedure. Chest aspiration is now routine emergency management for spontaneous pneumothorax. There have been no previous documented reports of this clinical scenario of radiological deterioration with clinical improvement after aspiration of a haemopneumothorax.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Accidental Falls
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Chest Tubes
  • False Positive Reactions
  • Hemopneumothorax / therapy*
  • Hemothorax / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Radiography
  • Suction