Subcutaneous and muscle layer seroma complicated with thoracentesis

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Medical Procedures
• Diagnostic Techniques

Background:

• Diagnostic thoracentesis is a standard procedure for evaluating pleural effusion.
• Complications associated with thoracentesis are infrequent and not widely documented due to low incidence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of subcutaneous and muscle layer seroma following diagnostic thoracentesis.
• To increase awareness of potential complications of thoracentesis.

Main Methods:

• Case report detailing a patient who developed a seroma after thoracentesis.
• Review of the diagnostic procedure and its potential sequelae.

Main Results:

• A seroma formed in the subcutaneous and muscle layers post-thoracentesis.
• This complication, though rare, occurred in the reported case.

Conclusions:

• Subcutaneous and muscle layer seroma is a rare complication of diagnostic thoracentesis.
• Clinicians should be aware of this potential adverse event even in a basic and relatively safe procedure.