Roentgenologic Aspects of Retropleural Hematomas Following Sympathectomy

Massive Traumatic Extrapleural Hematoma Mimicking Hemothorax: A Potential Pitfall of Penetrating Chest Trauma

“…Until recently, reports of this condition in the literature has been limited to isolated case reports and there has been no common terminology for this condition. 1 Various other terms such as subpleural, 2,3 retropleural, 4 and epipleural 5,6 have been used to describe this condition. However, Rashid et al in 2000 have suggested that the terminology EH be used as it is more appropriate and precise than the other previously coined names.…”

“…1,4 However, associated thoracic and extrathoracic injuries must be identified and treated appropriately. Aspiration and closed tube thoracostomy drainage may be required in larger hematomas but may prove unsatisfactory especially when the hematoma is clotted.…”