Extrapleural Hematoma: A Rare Sequalae of Thoracic Trauma.

Extrapleural hematoma is a rare consequence of thoracic trauma, which is the result of bleeding between the parietal pleura and the endothoracic fascia and is usually diagnosed within the initial 24-48 hours of the injury. Delayed presentations are rarely seen. An elderly male, who was not on any antiplatelet or anticoagulant medications, presented to the emergency department six days after sustaining a trivial blunt chest trauma with a large right extrapleural hematoma. He was successfully treated with video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. Geriatric patients must be followed up with serial chest radiographs to monitor the development of these rare complications.

Retrograde Transvenous Thoracic Duct Embolization for Tubercular Chylothorax.

This case study documents the clinical profile of a 27-year-old male patient who visited the medical facility two months ago with complaints of dry cough, fatigue, weight loss, and occasional fever. He had been treated for ascites and pleural effusion in the hospital before presentation and returned with an intercostal drain in place. A detailed examination revealed symptoms of respiratory disorders, including fluid in both lungs, fever, and dyspnea. His fluid levels showed multiple deviations from the normal range, according to the report's findings and lab test results. It was determined that the patient had chylothorax, which resulted from hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and abdominal tubercular lymphadenopathy. His anti-tubercular treatment (AKT4) was initiated, along with octreotide for his management. Initial management included non-invasive ventilator (NIV) support, intravenous antibiotics, nebulization, and an intercostal chest drain (ICD). Later, the patient underwent retrograde transvenous thoracic duct embolization (TDE) using N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) glue. The removal of the drainage tube and the patient's stable discharge were made possible through regular monitoring and collaboration between specialists.

Effectiveness of Physiotherapy Interventions in Pleural Effusion Patients: A Comprehensive Review.

Pleural effusion, characterized by the accumulation of fluid between the parietal and visceral pleura, presents significant challenges in patient management, particularly in cases of malignant pleural effusion. Despite various therapeutic options, there is a need to evaluate the effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions specifically for pleural effusion patients, as current literature predominantly focuses on medical and surgical treatments. This comprehensive review aims to address this research gap by systematically analyzing the impact of physiotherapy on pleural effusion management, with a focus on symptom relief and improvement in quality of life. The objective is to determine the role of physiotherapy in reducing hospital stay and enhancing patient outcomes. Methodologically, this review synthesizes data from clinical studies and case reports that document physiotherapy interventions, such as breathing exercises, postural drainage, and mobilization techniques, in the treatment of pleural effusion. Our findings suggest that physiotherapy interventions can significantly alleviate dyspnoea and improve respiratory function, contributing to better overall patient outcomes. These results underscore the importance of incorporating physiotherapy into the standard care protocol for patients presenting with pleural effusion to optimize recovery and quality of life.

Comparison of Observation Alone Versus Interventional Procedures in Hemodynamically Stable Patients With Pneumothorax: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Several studies indicate that observation alone is sufficient for the management of stable pneumothorax. To compare clinical efficacy, tolerability, and safety outcomes for treating hemodynamically stable adult patients with pneumothorax, the present review compared observation alone versus interventional procedures. We searched PubMed and Google Scholar from inception until June 24, 2020, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing observational therapy with conventional therapy for the treatment of adult pneumothorax. The pediatric age group and patients with tension pneumothorax were not included. Four hundred and forty-six patients were enrolled in three RCTs. The failure rate (relative risk (RR) 4.30; 95% CI = 0.23-81.82, p = 0.33) and mortality (RR 1.01; 95% CI = 0.31-3.33, p = 0.98) of observation were comparable to those of the chest tube. Chest tube and observation both carried comparable risks of complications, including tension pneumothorax and empyema (RR 3.15; 95% CI = 0.67-1) and (RR 1.55; 95% CI = 0.21-11.56, p = 0.67), respectively. Between chest tubes and observation, there was no statistically significant difference in the duration of hospital stay. We conclude that observation is as safe and effective at treating adult patients with stable pneumothorax as a chest tube.

A Prospective Observational Study on the Outcome Assessment of Conservative Management Versus Intercostal Drainage (ICD) in Blunt Chest Injury Patients With ≤3 Rib Fractures in a North Indian Tertiary Care Center.

Introduction Trauma is the third most common cause of death in all age groups. One out of four trauma patients die due to thoracic injury or its complications. Seventy percent of thoracic traumas are due to blunt injury. This indicates the importance of chest trauma among all traumas. Quick and precise assessment bears paramount importance in deciding life-saving and definitive management. Often, the initial management in blunt injury patients is based on subjective assessment by the attending clinician. A scoring system that provides early identification of the patients at the greatest risk for respiratory failure and more likely to require mechanical ventilation and require prolonged care, as well as those with a higher mortality risk, may allow the early institution of intervention to improve outcomes. Thoracic Trauma Severity Score (TTSS) poses to be a precise tool in directing the management modality to be employed. Methodology This was an observational study including 112 patients of age >12 years, with blunt chest injury, sustaining ≤3 rib fractures, and with a stable chest wall. The patients with penetrating injury, those with blunt chest injury having flail segment, patients in the pediatric age group (<12 years), or polytrauma patients were excluded from our study. Of the 112 patients, 56 had been managed by intercostal drainage (ICD), and the rest (56) had been managed conservatively. Result Road traffic accidents (RTA) were the most common mode of injury in both groups. The percentage of the patients with one, two, and three rib fractures was 57.14%, 32.14%, and 10.71%, respectively, in the ICD group and 85.71%, 7.14%, and 7.14%, respectively, in the conservative management group (p = 0.124). The mean TTSS score was significantly more in the ICD group as compared to the conservative management group in the single rib fracture patients (p = 0.001*), as well as all patients of any number of rib fractures (p < 0.01*) (significance was defined as a value of p less than 0.05 {indicated by an asterisk}). The mean hospital stay was significantly lower in the conservative group as compared to the ICD group (p < 0.01*). The mean SF-36 (outcome) was significantly more in the conservative management group as compared to the ICD group (p = 0.020*). The mean cost of treatment was significantly more in the ICD group as compared to the conservative management group (p < 0.001*). Conclusion In our study, a TTSS (as measured by the primary care surgeon) of >7, across any number of rib fractures, was preferably predictive of management by ICD, while a <7 value was favorable for conservative management. TTSS can be used as an important tool to predict the management modality in blunt chest injury patients with ≤3 rib fractures.

Empyema after image-guided percutaneous intercostal drainage of subdiaphragmatic collection: a case series.

Background: Treatment of subdiaphragmatic collection by intercostal image-guided drain placement is associated with a risk of pleural complications including potentially life-threatening pleural empyema. Descriptions of patient characteristics and clinical course of postinterventional pleural empyema are lacking. We aim to present characteristics, clinical course and outcomes of patients with empyema after intercostal approach of drain placement. Methods: Data was collected as a retrospective single center case series and included adult patients with decortication for treatment of pleural empyema after image-guided percutaneous intercostal drainage of a subdiaphragmatic collection between 01.01.2009 and 31.01.2021. Results: We identified ten patients, nine male and one female, all suffering from subdiaphragmatic collection treated with intercostal drain. All patients developed pleural empyema after drain placement and received surgical decortication. Similarities between patients were drain placement under computed tomography (CT)-guidance (eight of ten patients), lateral position of the drain (seven of ten patients), drain insertion in the eighth intercostal space (ICS) (six of ten patients) and existing comorbidities as malnutrition (six of ten patients), diabetes (four of ten patients) and cancer (three of ten patients). The majority of patients had a prolonged length of hospital stay (LOS) with an average duration of 40 days. Nearly half of the patients needed intensive care unit (ICU) treatment and one patient died postoperatively from respiratory exhaustion. Conclusions: In this series, empyema after intercostal drainage was associated with prolonged LOS and was potentially life-threatening. The most commonly shared features in our cohort were the high prevalence of comorbidities, drain insertion above ninth ICS as well as lateral position of the drain. These factors should be addressed in prospective studies to evaluate potential correlation with postinterventional empyema. For optimal management of patients with subdiaphragmatic collection treated by intercostal drainage, awareness of potential associated complications is crucial.

Impact of Early Physiotherapy Rehabilitation for Pleural Empyema in a Geriatric Patient.

Empyema is the accumulation of pus in the pleural cavity which can be linked to lung abscesses, trauma, septicemia, or spinal osteomyelitis. It is usually caused by a lung infection that extends to the pleural space and causes pus to accumulate. Here, we present the case of a 70-year-old male who complained of dry cough for 15 days, breathlessness on walking for 20 days, right-sided chest and upper back pain, and high-grade fever for 15 days. On investigation, pleural empyema was diagnosed. He underwent a thoracoscopy to drain the fluid and an intercostal drainage tube was inserted. Along with medical management, physiotherapy was also required to help the patient to perform his daily activities with ease. A physiotherapy protocol was developed for the patient to improve his condition.

Lung decortication for spontaneous hydropneumothorax in post COVID patients: A case series.

Hydropneumothorax is an abnormal collection of air and fluid in the pleural space. As it is a rare complication of COVID-19 pneumonia, we report a case series of spontaneous hydropneumothorax converted to pus collection that was resistant to medical management and treated as decortication and pleurectomy.

Reexpansion pulmonary edema after drainage of pneumothorax.

Reexpansion pulmonary edema is a rare complication of thoracocentesis with mortality rates as high as 20%. It presents with tachycardia, hypotension, and hypoxemia within hours after thoracocentesis. The exact pathophysiology is not known. The risk factors for the same should be carefully assessed and considered before chest tube drainage. The treatment is supportive. A case of ipsilateral reexpansion pulmonary edema after chest tube drainage of spontaneous pneumothorax is described and illustrated. He was managed with noninvasive ventilation, inotropes, and other supportive treatment and recovered completely.

Chest radiographs of cardiac devices (Part 1): Lines, tubes, non-cardiac medical devices and materials.

Chest radiographs (CXRs) are the most common imaging investigations undertaken because of their value in evaluating the cardiorespiratory system. They play a vital role in intensive care units for evaluating the critically ill. It is therefore very common for the radiologist to encounter tubes, lines, medical devices and materials on a daily basis. It is important for the interpreting radiologist not only to identify these iatrogenic objects, but also to look for their accurate placement as well as for any complications related to their placement, which may be seen either on the immediate post-procedural CXR or on a follow-up CXR. In this article, we discussed and illustrated the routinely encountered tubes and lines that one may see on a CXR as well as some of their complications. In addition, we also provide a brief overview of other important non-cardiac medical devices and materials that may be seen on CXRs.

Transhiatal Chest Drainage After Hybrid Ivor Lewis Esophagectomy: Proof of Concept Study.

BACKGROUND: Intercostal pleural drainage is standard practice after transthoracic esophagectomy but has some drawbacks. We hypothesized that a transhiatal pleural drain introduced through the subxyphoid port site incision at laparoscopy can be as effective as the intercostal drainage and may enhance patient recovery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A proof of concept study was designed to assess a new method of pleural drainage in patients undergoing hybrid Ivor Lewis esophagectomy (laparoscopy and right thoracotomy). The main study aims were safety and efficacy of transhiatal pleural drainage with a 15 Fr Blake tube connected to a portable vacuum system. Pre- and postoperative data, mean duration, and total and daily output of drainage were recorded in an electronic database. Postoperative complications were scored according to the Dindo-Clavien classification. RESULTS: Between June 2015 and December 2016, 50 of 63 consecutive patients met the criteria for inclusion in the study. No conversions from the portable vacuum system to underwater seal and suction occurred. There was no mortality. The overall morbidity rate was 40%. Two patients (4%) required reoperation for hemothorax and chylothorax, respectively. Percutaneous catheter drainage for residual pneumothorax was necessary in 2 patients (4%) on postoperative day 2. The mean duration of drainage was 7 days (interquartile range [IQR] = 2), and the total volume of drain output was 1580 mL (IQR = 880). No pleural effusion on chest X-ray was detected at the 3-month follow-up visit. CONCLUSIONS: Transhiatal pleural drainage is safe and effective after hybrid Ivor Lewis esophagectomy and could replace the intercostal drain in selected patients.

Re-discovering the Heimlich valve: Old wine in a new bottle.

A 14-year-old boy came to our outpatient department with pleuritic chest pain and dyspnea. He was found to have a loculated empyema on the right side. He was taken up for surgery and decortication was done. He developed air leak in the postoperative period. When the air leak did not settle until the 10th day, we decided to attach the atrium Pneumostat™, a modified version of the Heimlich valve to his Intercostal drainage tube and sent him home. On further follow-up, his lung expanded, and ICD could be removed. The patient remains well until the current follow-up. We present this case in an attempt to change the perceptions about various options available to drain the chest. The Heimlich valve appears to be a more compliant option than the conventional underwater seal drainage in terms of early mobility, reduced length of stay, and patient compliance.

Clinical profile, etiology, and management of hydropneumothorax: An Indian experience.

INTRODUCTION: Hydropneumothorax is an abnormal presence of air and fluid in the pleural space. Even though the knowledge of hydro-pneumothorax dates back to the days of ancient Greece, not many national or international literatures are documented. AIM: To study clinical presentation, etiological diagnosis, and management of the patients of hydropneumothorax. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients admitted in a tertiary care hospital with diagnosis of hydropneumothorax between 2012 and 2014 were prospectively studied. Detailed history and clinical examination were recorded. Blood, pleural fluid, sputum investigations, and computed tomography (CT) thorax (if necessary) were done. Intercostal drainage (ICD) tube was inserted and patients were followed up till 3 months. RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients were studied. Breathlessness, anorexia, weight loss, and cough were the most common symptoms. Tachypnea was present in 68.4% patients. Mean PaO2 was 71.7 mm of Hg (standard deviation ±12.4). Hypoxemia was present in 35 patients (61.4%). All patients had exudative effusion. Etiological diagnosis was possible in 35 patients by initial work-up and 22 required CT thorax for arriving at a diagnosis. Tuberculosis (TB) was etiology in 80.7% patients, acute bacterial infection in 14%, malignancy in 3.5%, and obstructive airway disease in 1.8%. All patients required ICD tube insertion. ICD was required for 24.8 days (±13.1). CONCLUSION: Most patients presented with symptoms and signs of cardiorespiratory distress along with cough, anorexia, and weight loss. Extensive pleural fluid analysis is essential in establishing etiological diagnosis. TB is the most common etiology. ICD for long duration with antimicrobial chemotherapy is the management.

A Successful Strategy for Surgical Treatment of Boerhaave's Syndrome Sans Thoracotomy.

Boerhaave's syndrome is a rare life threatening condition that is often misdiagnosed and fatal if not treated promptly. While the gold standard is early surgical intervention, recent studies have showed success with conservative management. We report a case of Boerhaave's syndrome that was managed conservatively by decompressive gastrostomy, feeding jejunostomy, bilateral intercostal drainage tubes with added proximal diverting cervical esophagostomy. The patient recovered completely and stoma closure was done two months later.

Gastro pleural fistula: a rare entity presenting as a complication of empyema thoracis following stab injury to the chest.

Gastro pleural fistula is an infrequently seen lesion. Here, a case of stab injury to the chest that led to the formation of a gastro pleural fistula has been presented. An intercostal drainage (ICD) tube was inserted after haemothorax was identified on this chest X-ray. The patient noticed the presence of ingested food particles at the site of ICD tube twelve days following the stab injury. The diagnosis of gastro pleural fistula was subsequently confirmed after a contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT) of the chest and abdomen. Intraoperatively, a defect in the left hemi diaphragm with a fistulous tract between stomach and the left pleural cavity was identified. Closure of the gastric fundal perforation, excision of the fistulous tract and repair of the diaphragmatic defect was done.

VATS versus intrapleural streptokinase: A prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial for optimum treatment of post-traumatic Residual Hemothorax.

BACKGROUND: Post-traumatic residual haemothorax (RH) is common and carries significant morbidity. However, its optimal treatment is not clear. AIM: The aim of this study was to find the extent of this problem and the choice of treatment between VATS and intra-pleural streptokinase instillation (IPSI). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This RCT, conducted over 18 months period, included all patients of chest trauma between 18 and 70 years of age, admitted with haemothorax or haemopneumothorax requiring inter-costal drain (ICD) insertion. 154 events of haemothorax/haemopneumothorax requiring ICD insertion were enrolled. RH was seen in 48 (31%) patients: 13 patients were excluded from RCT after refusal for treatment. Seventeen (49%) patients of remaining 35 RH cases were randomized to IPSI group and 18 (51%) patients were randomized to VATS group. The outcome parameters were resolution of RH and treatment related complications. RESULTS: RH resolved equally well in VATS and IPSI group [13 patients (72%) versus 12 patients (71%), respectively; continuity-adjusted p=1]. Morbidity wise no difference (p-value 0.529) was seen in the two groups. CONCLUSION: Post-traumatic RH is seen in 1/3rd patients and is equally well treated by VATS and IPSI.

Congenital cystic lesions of the lungs: The perils of misdiagnosis - A single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: A majority of cystic lesions in the western world are detected antenatally, whereas, the diagnosis in our setup occurs once the child becomes symptomatic. Surgical management is primarily dictated by the presence of symptoms, recurrent infection, and rarely by the potential risk of malignant transformation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was carried out on all consecutive patients with cystic lung lesions managed at our center from January 2000 through June 2011 for antenatal diagnosis, presentation, diagnostic modalities, treatment, and complications. RESULTS: Forty cystic lung lesions were identified. Only 8% were antenatally detected. Out of 40, the final diagnosis was congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation in 19, congenital lobar emphysema in 11, and bronchogenic cysts and pulmonary sequestration in five each. Of these, 20% had received a course of prior antitubercular therapy and 30% had an intercostal drain inserted prior to referral to our center. Postoperative morbidity in the form of bronchopleural fistula, pneumothorax, and non-expansion of the residual lung was noted in 10% of the patients. CONCLUSION: Antenatal diagnosis of these lesions is still uncommon in third world countries. Prior to referral to a pediatric surgical center a large number of patients received antitubercular drugs and an intercostal drain insertion, due to incorrect diagnosis.

Bronchoscopic management of bronchopleural fistula with intrabronchial instillation of glue (N-butyl cyanoacrylate).

CONTEXT: Bronchopleural fistula (BPF) is a communication between the pleural space and bronchial tree. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A series of 9 cases are reported where BPF was identified and managed with intrabronchial instillation of glue (N-butyl-cyanoacrylate) through a video bronchoscope. RESULTS: Out of 9 patients the BPF was successfully sealed in 8 cases (88.88%). In 1 patient of postpneumonectomy, the fistula was big, that is >8 mm who had a recurrence after the procedure. In one case of pyopneumothorax the leak reduced slowly and it took us 14 days to remove the intercostal drainage tube. Rest of the patients had a favorable outcome. No complications were observed in a follow-up of 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: In our opinion, it is a cost-effective, viable, and safe alternative compared with costly, time-consuming, and high-risk surgical procedures.

Postoperative myocardial infarction after diagnostic video-assisted thoracoscopy and pleurodesis for catamenial pneumothorax: A unique case report.

Myocardial infarction (MI) is uncommon in patients undergoing noncardiac surgery without a history of coronary artery disease. But, patients with compromised pulmonary function and coexisting anaemia superimposed by precipitating factors like prolonged hypotension and tachycardia can culminate in myocardial catastrophe even in the absence of risk factors. We are herewith reporting an unusual case of postoperative non-ST elevation MI without any pre-existing ischemic heart disease. A 39-year-old female patient who was submitted for diagnostic video-assisted thoracoscopy and chemical pleurodesis for recurrent pneumothorax developed postoperative MI. After review of all the factors, it was found that the patient developed Type 2 MI as a sequel to oxygen supply and demand mismatch secondary to hypoxia and prolonged hypotension. This was evident in the 12-lead electrocardiogram and was confirmed by elevated cardiac biomarkers and regional wall motion abnormality on echocardiography.