Spontaneous hemothorax: analysis of 5 cases

Abstract

AimSpontan hemothorax is disease that bleeding in the pleural space, because of nontrauma. Generally, the underlying cause is a primary pathology. It can be life-threatening. We reviewed the relevant literature 5 patients developed hemothorax without a history of trauma.MethodsIn our clinic between 2005 and 2011 were treated 220 cases of hemothorax. In 5 cases (2.2%) were detected spontaneous hemothorax. The patients were evaluated according to age, gender, the affected area, clinical findings, amount of bleeding, the causes of bleeding.ResultsFour (80%), male patients, 1 (20%) female and the mean age was 54.8. Right hemothorax in 4 (80%) cases, 1 (20%) patient were located on the left hemithorax. The most common symptom was chest pain, dyspnea, and pallor. All patients underwent tube thoracostomy. 3 (60%) cases were treated with tube thoracostomy and 2 (40%) cases were treated with the video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. All patients had a moderate hemorrhage. There weren’t signs of shock. Blood replacement was performed in 2 patients. ConclusionSpontaneous hemothorax is a rarely observed clinical entity in an emergency. Tube thoracostomy is usually sufficient enterprise. Recently, treatment with video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery has an important place. If necessary, the thoracotomy should not be avoided.

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