Contralateral hemopneumothorax after penetrating thoracic trauma: A case report

Background: Trauma is the leading cause of death in young adults up to the age of 45 years. Hemothorax is a frequent consequence of penetrating thoracic trauma, and is usually associated with pneumothorax and pneumoderma. Intercostal arterial bleeding or intrathoracic hemorrhage occurs after penetrating thoracic trauma, and uncontrolled bleeding is the main cause of death.

Case summary: In this case report, a patient who developed a right hemopneumothorax after penetrating thoracic trauma was examined. A 19-year-old male patient, who was brought to the emergency room with a penetrating stab injury to the posterior of the left hemithorax, was diagnosed with a right hemopneumothorax after physical examination and thoracic imaging. Chest tube thoracostomy was performed as the initial intervention. Bleeding control was achieved with right posterolateral thoracotomy in the patient, who developed massive hemorrhage after 1 h and hemodynamic instability. The patient recovered and was discharged on the fourth postoperative day.

Conclusion: Contralateral hemopneumothorax that accounts for 30% of thoracic traumas and can be encountered in penetrating thoracic traumas requiring major surgery in 15-30% of cases was emphasized and the contralateral development mechanism was addressed.