Intercostal Artery Laceration: Rare Complication of Thoracentesis and Role of Ultrasound in Early Detection.

Hemothorax is a rare but potentially fatal postthoracentesis complication. Early clinical signs may be nonspecific resulting in diagnostic delay. A high index of suspicion is vital for early diagnosis and intervention to avoid further bleeding. Following procedure, early bedside ultrasound findings can be vital for early detection. We report a case of massive hemothorax in a 63-year-old male following therapeutic thoracentesis. Diagnosis was made following highly suggestive sonographic findings prompting thoracotomy and lacerated intercostal artery cauterization.

Duke Scholars

Author Wissam Mansour Medicine, Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine