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Updated: Jul 2, 2026
06:57
Transaxillary First Rib Resection for Treatment of the Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Published on: September 13, 2020
Reversible chest tube horner syndrome
Michael Levy1, David Newman-Toker
1Department of Neurology, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, USA.
Summary
Chest tube placement can cause Horner syndrome due to stellate ganglion pressure. Prompt repositioning of the tube reversed symptoms, suggesting neurapraxia, but its critical role remains uncertain.
Area of Science:
- Medical Case Study
- Neurology
- Thoracic Surgery
Background:
- Chest tube placement is a common procedure following lung biopsies.
- Horner syndrome, characterized by ptosis, miosis, and anhidrosis, can arise from sympathetic pathway disruption.
Observation:
- A patient developed ipsilateral ptosis and miosis post-chest tube placement.
- Imaging revealed the chest tube tip was adjacent to the stellate ganglion.
Findings:
- The observed symptoms were consistent with Horner syndrome.
- Repositioning the chest tube led to the complete resolution of Horner syndrome within 24 hours.
- The proposed mechanism is neurapraxia of the stellate ganglion due to tube pressure.
Implications:
- This case highlights a potential complication of chest tube placement.
- Prompt intervention may be crucial for reversing this neurological deficit.
- Further investigation is needed to confirm the critical role of repositioning in recovery.
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