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Chronic expanding hematoma in the chest
T Hanagiri1, H Muranaka, M Hashimoto
1Department of Chest Surgery, Kitakyushu Municipal Medical Center, Japan.
The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
|August 1, 1997
Summary
Surgical treatment successfully removed large chronic expanding hematomas in two patients, decades after tuberculosis treatment. These rare chest masses highlight delayed complications from prior thoracic procedures.
Area of Science:
- Thoracic Surgery
- Surgical Oncology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Chronic expanding hematoma (CEH) is a rare condition, often presenting as a slow-growing mass.
- CEH can develop long after initial trauma or surgery, posing diagnostic challenges.
- Previous thoracic interventions, particularly for tuberculosis, are identified as potential risk factors.
Observation:
- Two patients presented with large, encapsulated chronic hematomas in the chest.
- One patient had a history of thoracoplasty 42 years prior for tuberculosis.
- The second patient had tuberculous pleurisy 36 years prior, presenting with an intrathoracic mass.
Findings:
- Both encapsulated chronic hematomas were successfully treated with surgical resection.
- The large size and delayed presentation, over 30 years post-tuberculosis treatment, are notable.
- Histopathological examination confirmed the nature of the masses as chronic hematomas.
Implications:
- This report underscores the possibility of rare, delayed complications following thoracic surgery for tuberculosis.
- Early recognition and surgical management are crucial for favorable outcomes in CEH.
- Further research into the pathogenesis of delayed CEH after thoracic procedures may be warranted.