Pulmonary Infarction
Bronchopulmonary Sequestration
Surgical Fixation Devices
Thoracostomy
Chondroblastoma
Wounds, Nonpenetrating
Rupture of aortic aneurysm with right-sided haemothorax. (1/130)
A 62-yr-old male with a history of high blood pressure was admitted for persistent dyspnoea and a right-sided pleural effusion, complicated by a recent episode of shock. There was no history of trauma and the patient denied any thoracic pain. A chest tube was inserted which released nonclotting bloody fluid. A thoracic computed tomographic scan of the chest revealed an aneurysm of the inferior third of the descending thoracic aorta. The patient underwent a successful prosthetic graft replacement. We emphasize that rupture of aortic aneurysms should be considered in the evaluation of spontaneous haemothorax even if it is right-sided and not associated with pain. (+info)Spontaneous haemothorax: a cause of sudden death in von Recklinghausen's disease. (2/130)
Vasculopathy is a relatively frequent but poorly recognised manifestation of von Recklinghausen's neurofibromatosis. One of its more dramatic presentations is as spontaneous haemothorax. Clinicians and pathologists should be aware of this syndrome as a cause of sudden death in patients with neurofibromatosis. (+info)Bilateral hemothorax revealing mediastinal parathyroid adenoma. (3/130)
We report the case of a 63-year-old woman admitted to hospital because of bilateral hemothorax associated with acute respiratory failure and laterotracheal neoformation. A right thoracoscopy biopsy revealed a paratracheal parathyroid adenoma which was responsible for bilateral hemothorax and primary hyperparathyroidism. A curative resection was successfully performed by cervicotomy. (+info)Intrathoracic extramedullary haematopoiesis complicated by massive haemothorax in alpha-thalassaemia. (4/130)
Intrathoracic extramedullary haematopoiesis (EMH) is a rare entity that is usually asymptomatic. A 44 year old man with alpha-thalassaemia is described who developed dyspnoea and massive left sided haemothorax. The haemoglobin disorder was established by Hgb H staining and haemoglobin electrophoretic studies. The DNA analysis revealed it to be a case of double heterozygous terminal codon mutation with the genotype alphaalphaCS/alphaalphaT. Computed tomographic scanning and magnetic resonance imaging of the thorax showed multiple paravertebral masses which were found by thoracoscopic biopsy to be extramedullary haematopoiesis. Although no additional sclerosing pleurodesis or low dose radiation therapy was given, the lung expanded well and there has been no recurrence of haemothorax to date. (+info)Haemoptysis after breath-hold diving. (5/130)
Pulmonary oedema has been described in swimmers and self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (Scuba) divers. This study reports three cases of haemoptysis secondary to alveolar haemorrhage in breath-hold divers. Contributory factors, such as haemodynamic modifications secondary to immersion, cold exposure, exercise and exposure to an increase in ambient pressure, could explain this type of accident. Furthermore, these divers had taken aspirin, which may have aggravated the bleeding. (+info)Spontaneous hemothorax secondary to immature teratoma of the mediastinum. (6/130)
Spontaneous hemothorax in a 20-year-old boy was caused by rupture of an immature teratoma of the mediastinum. The tumor bled spontaneously into the right pleural space. This life-threatening complication necessitated emergency surgery. The unusual cause and the interesting clinical course of spontaneous hemothorax are described. (+info)Spontaneous pneumothorax: outpatient management with intercostal tube drainage. (7/130)
In a series of 104 episodes of pneumothorax 75 percent of episodes were managed successfully on an outpatient basis by observation (23.1 percent) or by intercostal tube drainage using a flutter valve (51.9 percent). The patients for whom this treatment was not successful were admitted to hospital; 17 of them (16.3 percent of 104) were treated surgically. Bleb suturing with a stapling device and dry sponge abrasion of the pleura was the operation of choice. (+info)Mortality associated with odontogenic infection! (8/130)
Odontogenic causes are the most common source for spreading maxillo-facial infections. These infections can develop into life threatening events. However a fatal outcome is fortunately rare and is generally associated with an immunocompromised status. This case report highlights a spreading maxillo-facial infection, which resulted in massive haemorrhage from the subclavian vein into the pleural cavity and subsequent death of a young fit male patient. (+info)Hemothorax is a medical condition characterized by the presence of blood in the pleural space, which is the area between the lungs and the chest wall. This accumulation of blood can occur due to various reasons such as trauma, rupture of a blood vessel, or complications from lung or heart surgery.
The buildup of blood in the pleural space can cause the affected lung to collapse, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and cough. In severe cases, hemothorax can be life-threatening if not promptly diagnosed and treated. Treatment options may include chest tube drainage, blood transfusion, or surgery, depending on the severity and underlying cause of the condition.
Thoracic injuries refer to damages or traumas that occur in the thorax, which is the part of the body that contains the chest cavity. The thorax houses vital organs such as the heart, lungs, esophagus, trachea, and major blood vessels. Thoracic injuries can range from blunt trauma, caused by impacts or compressions, to penetrating trauma, resulting from stabbing or gunshot wounds. These injuries may cause various complications, including but not limited to:
1. Hemothorax - bleeding into the chest cavity
2. Pneumothorax - collapsed lung due to air accumulation in the chest cavity
3. Tension pneumothorax - a life-threatening condition where trapped air puts pressure on the heart and lungs, impairing their function
4. Cardiac tamponade - compression of the heart caused by blood or fluid accumulation in the pericardial sac
5. Rib fractures, which can lead to complications like punctured lungs or internal bleeding
6. Tracheobronchial injuries, causing air leaks and difficulty breathing
7. Great vessel injuries, potentially leading to massive hemorrhage and hemodynamic instability
Immediate medical attention is required for thoracic injuries, as they can quickly become life-threatening due to the vital organs involved. Treatment may include surgery, chest tubes, medications, or supportive care, depending on the severity and type of injury.
Pulmonary infarction is the medical term for the death of lung tissue (lung tissue necrosis) due to blocked blood flow. This blockage usually occurs when a clot or a piece of a clot from another part of the body, most commonly from the heart, travels to the lungs and blocks a small pulmonary artery. The lack of oxygen supply to the lung tissue results in inflammation and eventual infarction (tissue death).
The symptoms of pulmonary infarction can vary but often include sudden onset of sharp chest pain, shortness of breath, cough, sometimes with blood-streaked sputum, rapid heart rate, and fever. The diagnosis is typically made based on the patient's medical history, physical examination, imaging tests such as a chest X-ray or CT scan, and occasionally, blood tests to detect D-dimer, a protein fragment that's produced when a blood clot dissolves. Treatment usually involves anticoagulant therapy (blood thinners) to prevent further clots from forming and, in some cases, thrombolytic therapy (clot-busting drugs) to break up existing clots. In severe cases, surgery may be required to remove the clot or infarcted lung tissue.
Bronchopulmonary sequestration is a rare birth defect of the lungs, in which a mass of abnormal lung tissue develops that doesn't function and isn't connected to the tracheobronchial tree (the airways that lead to the lungs). This means that the abnormal tissue receives its blood supply from an anomalous systemic artery instead of the normal pulmonary circulation. The mass may be located within the lung (intralobar sequestration) or outside the lung (extralobar sequestration), and it can occur on either side of the chest.
Intralobar sequestrations are more common than extralobar sequestrations, accounting for about 75% of cases. They are usually found in adults and are located within a normal lung tissue. Extralobar sequestrations, on the other hand, are typically detected earlier in life (often as an incidental finding during prenatal ultrasound) and are surrounded by their own pleural lining, which can make them appear separate from the normal lung tissue.
Symptoms of bronchopulmonary sequestration may include recurrent respiratory infections, coughing up blood (hemoptysis), shortness of breath, or chest pain. Treatment usually involves surgical removal of the abnormal tissue to prevent complications such as infection, bleeding, or the development of malignancy.
Surgical fixation devices are medical implants used in various surgical procedures to provide stability, alignment, and support to fractured or damaged bones, joints, or soft tissues. These devices help promote healing by holding the affected area in the correct position until the body can repair itself. Common types of surgical fixation devices include:
1. Plates: Thin, flat metal pieces contoured to fit against the surface of a bone. They are often held in place with screws and used to stabilize fractures or support weakened bones.
2. Screws: Threaded rods that can be inserted into bones to hold them together or fixate implants such as plates or prosthetic joints.
3. Pins: Smooth or threaded wires used to temporarily or permanently hold bone fragments in place. They are often removed once healing is complete.
4. Intramedullary nails: Long rods placed inside the marrow cavity of a long bone (e.g., femur, tibia) to provide stability and alignment after a fracture.
5. External fixators: Devices attached to the outside of the body with pins or wires that pass through the skin and into the bones. They are used to stabilize complex fractures or injuries when internal fixation is not possible or advisable.
6. Interbody fusion cages: Cylindrical or box-shaped devices placed between two vertebrae during spinal fusion surgery to restore disc height and provide stability while promoting bone growth.
7. Sutures and staples: Used to approximate soft tissue edges (e.g., skin, muscles, ligaments) after surgical repair.
The choice of surgical fixation device depends on various factors, such as the location and severity of the injury, patient age and health status, and surgeon preference.
Thoracostomy is a surgical procedure that involves the creation of an opening into the chest cavity to relieve excessive pressure, drain fluid or air accumulation, or provide access for surgery. It is commonly performed to treat conditions such as pneumothorax (collapsed lung), hemothorax (blood in the chest cavity), pleural effusion (excess fluid in the pleural space), and empyema (pus in the pleural space).
During a thoracostomy, a healthcare professional makes an incision on the chest wall and inserts a tube called a thoracostomy tube or chest tube. The tube is connected to a drainage system that helps remove the air, fluid, or blood from the chest cavity. This procedure can be performed as an emergency treatment or as a planned surgical intervention.
The medical definition of thoracostomy includes the following key components:
1. A surgical procedure
2. Involving the creation of an opening
3. Into the chest cavity (thorax)
4. To relieve pressure, drain fluids or air, or provide access for surgery
5. Often performed with the insertion of a thoracostomy tube or chest tube
6. Used to treat various conditions related to the pleural space and lungs
Thoracoscopy is a surgical procedure in which a thoracoscope, a type of endoscope, is inserted through a small incision between the ribs to examine the lungs and pleural space (the space surrounding the lungs). It allows the surgeon to directly view the chest cavity, take biopsies, and perform various operations. This procedure is often used in the diagnosis and treatment of pleural effusions, lung cancer, and other chest conditions.
Chondroblastoma is a rare, benign (non-cancerous) bone tumor that typically develops in the epiphysis, which is the rounded end of a long bone near a joint. It primarily affects children and adolescents, with around 90% of cases occurring before the age of 20.
The tumor arises from chondroblasts, cells responsible for producing cartilage during bone growth. Chondroblastoma is usually slow-growing and typically causes localized pain, swelling, or tenderness in the affected area. In some cases, it may weaken the bone and lead to fractures.
Treatment generally involves surgical removal of the tumor, followed by curettage (scraping) of the surrounding bone tissue and replacement with bone grafts or substitutes. Recurrence is possible but rare, and long-term prognosis is usually favorable.
Thoracotomy is a surgical procedure that involves making an incision on the chest wall to gain access to the thoracic cavity, which contains the lungs, heart, esophagus, trachea, and other vital organs. The incision can be made on the side (lateral thoracotomy), back (posterolateral thoracotomy), or front (median sternotomy) of the chest wall, depending on the specific surgical indication.
Thoracotomy is performed for various indications, including lung biopsy, lung resection, esophagectomy, heart surgery, and mediastinal mass removal. The procedure allows the surgeon to directly visualize and access the organs within the thoracic cavity, perform necessary procedures, and control bleeding if needed.
After the procedure, the incision is typically closed with sutures or staples, and a chest tube may be placed to drain any accumulated fluid or air from the pleural space around the lungs. The patient will require postoperative care and monitoring in a hospital setting until their condition stabilizes.
Drainage, in medical terms, refers to the removal of excess fluid or accumulated collections of fluids from various body parts or spaces. This is typically accomplished through the use of medical devices such as catheters, tubes, or drains. The purpose of drainage can be to prevent the buildup of fluids that may cause discomfort, infection, or other complications, or to treat existing collections of fluid such as abscesses, hematomas, or pleural effusions. Drainage may also be used as a diagnostic tool to analyze the type and composition of the fluid being removed.
Nonpenetrating wounds are a type of trauma or injury to the body that do not involve a break in the skin or underlying tissues. These wounds can result from blunt force trauma, such as being struck by an object or falling onto a hard surface. They can also result from crushing injuries, where significant force is applied to a body part, causing damage to internal structures without breaking the skin.
Nonpenetrating wounds can cause a range of injuries, including bruising, swelling, and damage to internal organs, muscles, bones, and other tissues. The severity of the injury depends on the force of the trauma, the location of the impact, and the individual's overall health and age.
While nonpenetrating wounds may not involve a break in the skin, they can still be serious and require medical attention. If you have experienced blunt force trauma or suspect a nonpenetrating wound, it is important to seek medical care to assess the extent of the injury and receive appropriate treatment.
Hemoperitoneum is a medical condition characterized by the presence of blood in the peritoneal cavity, which is the space between the lining of the abdominal wall and the organs within it. This can occur due to various reasons such as trauma, rupture of an abdominal aortic aneurysm, ectopic pregnancy, or other conditions that cause bleeding into the abdomen.
The accumulation of blood in the peritoneal cavity can lead to symptoms such as abdominal pain, tenderness, distension, and hypovolemic shock due to blood loss. Hemoperitoneum is a serious medical condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent further complications.
Chest tubes are medical devices that are inserted into the chest cavity to drain fluid, air, or blood. They are typically used to treat conditions such as pneumothorax (collapsed lung), hemothorax (blood in the chest cavity), pleural effusion (excess fluid in the chest cavity), and chylothorax (milky fluid in the chest cavity).
Chest tubes are usually inserted between the ribs and directed into the chest cavity, allowing for drainage of the affected area. The tubes are connected to a collection system that creates negative pressure, which helps to remove the air or fluid from the chest cavity.
The size and number of chest tubes used may vary depending on the severity and location of the condition being treated. Chest tubes are typically removed once the underlying condition has been resolved and the drainage has decreased to a minimal amount.