An unusually delayed presentation of massive haematemesis following stab injury to the chest

Abstract

Penetrating thoracoabdominal injury is a common presentation in the trauma resuscitation room with the possibility of a myriad of injuries which may involve thoracic and abdominal viscera. Management is usually operative however non-operative management is a possibility especially following knife stab injuries when compared with gunshot injuries. Clinical presentation will depend on the injured organ, extent of injury and time from injury to presentation. Unusual presentation of delayed haematemesis is a possibility with injury to the stomach, however, due to its rarity, a high index of suspicion with emergency surgery will help to mitigate the fatal consequences that may follow. This type of presentation is not documented in the available on-line literature which portends the importance of this paper. This case highlights the possibility of this clinical presentation and importance of early management to improve patient outcome.