Chest-tube thoracostomy causing Horner's syndrome.

Abstract

Horner's syndrome developing early after lung biopsy is reported in a 42-year-old woman. At the end of the procedure a thoracostomy tube was inserted with its tip at the T1-2 posterior intercostal space. The authors conclude that direct injury to the second order preganglionic neuron in the vicinity of the stellate ganglion caused the Horner's syndrome. They recommend placing the tip of the thoracostomy tube below the level of the second rib posteriorly to prevent this complication.