Hemothorax Following a Gunshot Wound: Case Report with Review of Literature

Abstract

Introduction: Rapid and accurate diagnostic work-up and surgical management is important for retained Foreign Bodies (FB) in the chest wall following a penetrating chest trauma. While hemothorax is very common due to traumatic injuries, not much has been discussed about presenting hemothorax following a case of gunshot wound. Epidemiology: Blunt chest trauma is more common than penetrating trauma and directly comprises 20 to 25% of trauma deaths [1]. Despite its higher incidence, less than 10% of patients suffering blunt trauma to the thorax require operative intervention, whereas 15 to 30% of patients sustaining penetrating chest injuries will need operative intervention [1].The mortality rate for gunshot wound of the chest varies from 14.3 to 36.8% [2]. Purpose: The purpose of this report is to emphasize the characteristics of penetrating thoracic trauma with special reference to gunshot wounds as well as their early intervention with the review of literature.