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Multiple persistent circumscribed pulmonary hematomas due to a blunt chest trauma
1Department of Surgery, Buskerud Central Hospital, Drammen, Norway.
The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
|November 28, 2001
Summary
Multiple pulmonary hematomas, or "coin" lesions, can result from blunt chest trauma. These lesions may mimic cancer but can resolve spontaneously over time.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Radiology
- Trauma Surgery
Background:
- Blunt thoracic trauma can lead to various intrathoracic injuries.
- Pulmonary hematomas are rare complications of non-penetrating chest trauma.
- Differential diagnosis of pulmonary lesions is crucial for appropriate management.
Observation:
- A case presenting with multiple, sharply circumscribed pulmonary hematomas is described.
- These lesions appeared as "coin" lesions on imaging.
- The clinical presentation mimicked metastatic lung cancer, specifically "cannon ball" deposits.
Findings:
- Computed tomographic (CT) scan was essential for characterizing the lesions.
- Puncture biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of pulmonary hematomas.
- Complete spontaneous resolution of the hematomas was observed over a 3-year period.
Implications:
- Pulmonary hematomas should be considered in the differential diagnosis of coin lesions after thoracic trauma.
- Advanced imaging like CT is vital for accurate diagnosis.
- The benign nature and potential for spontaneous resolution of these lesions are important for patient management and prognosis.