Haemothorax

Epidemiology and Risk Factors

Pathophysiology

Aetiology

Clinical Manifestations

Diagnostic Approach and DDx

Investigations

Bedside:

Laboratory:

Imaging:

Other:

Management

Resuscitation:

ABC approach. Comment on team coordination and clinical priorities. Specific therapy:

  • Pharmacological
  • Procedural
  • Physical

Supportive care:

Disposition:

Preventative:

Marginal and Ineffective Therapies

Anaesthetic Considerations

Complications

  • B
    • Retained haemothorax
      Undrained blood clots, becomes organised and fibrosed causing progressive pleural thickening.
      • May lead to subsequent:
        • ↓ Lung volume
        • ↓ Pulmonary compliance
        • Empyema
      • May require either:
        • Radiological drainage of loculated collections
        • Surgical washout
          Open or VATS.

Prognosis

Key Studies

References

  1. Bersten, A. D., & Handy, J. M. (2018). Oh’s Intensive Care Manual. Elsevier Gezondheidszorg.