Delayed flail chest from osteomyelitis and malnutrition that emerged 3 weeks after blunt chest trauma: a case report.
J Int Med Res
; 52(4): 3000605241244990, 2024 Apr.
Article
de En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38629496
ABSTRACT
We present the case of a victim of a motor vehicle accident in his late 60s who suffered from severe torso injuries. He initially presented with abdominal and chest pain, and underwent emergency laparotomy for hemoperitoneum. After surgery, the patient developed pneumonia and septicemia, which were responsive to antibiotics. The patient was treated with mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit for approximately 10 days and experienced a severe weight loss of approximately 30%, but slowly recovered without dyspnea. Notably, on hospital day 24, he experienced sudden respiratory distress and flail motion of the chest wall in a general ward. This late presentation of flail chest was attributed to non-union at rib fracture sites, and was likely exacerbated by malnutrition and osteomyelitis. Surgical stabilization of rib fractures and excision of the infected rib were successfully performed. The findings from this case highlight the complexity of managing delayed onset of flail chest. The findings from this case suggest the importance of vigilance for late emerging complications in patients with trauma, even when initial symptoms are absent.
Mots clés
Texte intégral:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Base de données:
MEDLINE
Sujet principal:
Ostéomyélite
/
Fractures de côte
/
Blessures du thorax
/
Plaies non pénétrantes
/
Malnutrition
/
Volet thoracique
Limites:
Aged
/
Humans
/
Male
Langue:
En
Journal:
J Int Med Res
Année:
2024
Type de document:
Article
Pays d'affiliation:
Corée du Sud
Pays de publication:
Royaume-Uni