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The medical term for the condition of blood in the chest cavity is hemothorax. This condition may result from trauma.
Hemothorax is a medical term meaning blood in the chest cavity.
Hemothorax is a collection of blood in the space between the chest wall and the lung (the pleural cavity).
blood: hemothorax air: pneumothorax
A pneumothorax is a pocket of air in the chest cavity, and a hemothorax is a pocket of blood.
Hemothorax refers to an accumulation of blood in the chest cavity. Bilateral hemothorax would indicate that blood was found on either side of the sternum.
32551 - chest tube placement 860.2 - traumatic hemothorax 511.89 - spontaneous hemothroax
The suffix would be thorax. The chest
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DefinitionHemothorax is a collection of blood in the space between the chest wall and the lung (the pleural cavity).Causes, incidence, and risk factorsThe most common cause of hemothorax is chest trauma. It can also occur in patients who have:A defect of blood clottingBlunt trauma to the chestDeath of lung tissue (pulmonary infarction)Lung or pleural cancerPenetrating chest trauma (when a weapon such as a knife or bullet cuts the lung)Placement of a central venous catheterThoracic or heart surgeryTuberculosisSymptomsAnxietyChest painRapid heart rateRestlessnessShortness of breathSigns and testsYour doctor may note decreased or absent breath sounds on the affected side. Signs of hemothorax may be seen on the following tests:Chest x-rayCT scanPleural fluid analysisThoracentesisTreatmentThe goal of treatment is to stabilize the patient, stop the bleeding, and remove the blood and air in the pleural space. A chest tube is inserted through the chest wall to drain the blood and air. It is left in place for several days to re-expand the lung.When a hemothorax is severe and a chest tube alone does not control the bleeding, surgery (thoracotomy) may be needed to stop the bleeding.The cause of the hemothorax should be also treated. In trauma patients, depending on the severity of the injury, chest tube drainage is often all that is necessary. Surgery is often not required.Expectations (prognosis)The outcome depends on the cause of the hemothorax and how quickly treatment is given.ComplicationsCollapsed lung, leading to respiratory failureDeathFibrosis or scarring of the pleural membranesPneumothoraxShockCalling your health care providerCall 911 if you have:Any serious injury to the chestChest pain or shortness of breathGo to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you have:Severe chest painSevere difficulty breathingSymptoms of hemothoraxPreventionUse safetymeasures (such as seat belts) to avoid injury. Depending on the cause, a hemothorax may not be preventable.ReferencesEckstein M, Henderson S. Thoracic trauma. In: Marx J, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2006: chap 42.
Hemothorax is an accumulation of blood in the pleural cavity surrounding the lungs. Hemopericardium is blood in the pericardial sac or space surrounding the heart. Hemomediastinum is blood in the mediastinum, which is the space in which the bronchi and aorta are found.