Spontaneous Hemothorax: Analysis of 5 Cases

Abstract

Aim: Spontan 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. Material and Method: In 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. Results: Four (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. Discussion: Spontaneous 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.