Hemothorax

Background

• Typically from trauma
• Each hemithorax and hold 40% of circulating blood volume

Diagnosis

• CXR
  • Hemithorax is completely opacified
    • Mainstem bronchus intubation can appear like a hemorthorax on CXR

Treatment

• Tube thoracostomy
  • Evacuation of >1500mL of blood immediately or 200mL/hr x 4hr = operative management
• Autotransfuse lost blood if possible

See Also

• Thoracic Trauma
• Traumatic Pneumothorax
• Spontaneous Pneumothorax
• Tension Pneumothorax