Author/Editor     Milovanović, Slavomir; Papuga, Vesna
Title     Tenzijski masivni hematotoraks - prikaz primera
Translated title     Tension massive hemothorax - case report
Type     članek
Source     In: Bručan A, Gričar M, Fink A, et al, editors. Urgentna medicina: izbrana poglavja 7. Zbornik 8. mednarodni simpozij o urgentni medicini; 2001 jun 13-16; Portorož. Ljubljana: Slovensko združenje za urgentno medicino,
Publication year     2001
Volume     str. 281-4
Language     slo
Abstract     Our report deals with a case of a syndrome which occurs with a massive bleeding in the pleural space. Such a mechanism compromises attempts of stabilization or reanimation of patients. Our opinion is that non-evacuated or incompletely evacuated massive hemothorax changes the condition of a patient primarily because of high pressure in the intrapleural space and not only because of a loss in circulatory volume. That is why we called it "tension" hemothorax. Intensive therapy with blood transfusion and vasoactive drugs support can improve the patient's condition, but only for a certain period of time. This period we can well use to prepare the patient for a surgical removal of clotted blood from the thorax. ' A 52-year woman was injured in a suicide attempt (she jumped from a high altitude). On the sixth day after admission she developed a massive hemothorax. Pleural drainage was urgently applied, but her condition got worse: Despite the infusion with cristaloids, colloids, a transfusion of red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma and platelets together with vasoactive drugs support, she was still in shock. It was decided to perform thoracotomy and immediately after the thoracotomy incision the condition of the patient improved. In the following stages of the operation she did not need any vasoactive support, nor any blood transfusion after the surgery.
Descriptors     HEMOTHORAX
MIDDLE AGE
SUICIDE, ATTEMPTED
THORACIC INJURIES