Traumatic hemothorax is potentially life threatening. Rib fractures are the commonest
injury after chest trauma, which accounts for 10% of patients after trauma. A delayed
massive hemothorax after simple rib fracture is rare. The possibility of delayed sequelae
after chest trauma should be considered, and patients should be informed of this possibility.
We present a case of this uncommon situation with delayed massive hemothorax caused
by simple fracture of the lower ribs. Admission should be considered for close observation
when presenting with fracture of the lower ribs because of the possibility of diaphragmatic
injury or intra-abdominal injury, even if a simple rib fracture is found initially.
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Article Info
Publication History
Published online: January 09, 2014
Accepted:
December 31,
2013
Received:
December 23,
2013
Identification
Copyright
© 2014 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
