Delayed hemothorax following blunt thoracic trauma: a case report

Abstract

Abstract Background Late hemothorax is a rare complication of blunt chest trauma. The longest reported time interval between the traumatic event and the development of hemothorax is 44 days. Case presentation An elderly patient with right-sided rib fractures from chest trauma, managed initially with closed thoracostomy, presented with a delayed hemothorax that occurred 60 days after initial management, necessitating conservative and then surgical intervention due to the patient’s frail condition and associated complications. Conclusions This case emphasizes the clinical challenge and significance of delayed hemothorax in chest trauma, highlighting the need for vigilance and potential surgical correction in complex presentations, especially in the elderly.

Keywords

• Hemothorax
• Sepsis
• Rib fractures
• Thoracic surgical procedures