Complication to consider: delayed traumatic hemothorax in older adults

Abstract

Preliminary data suggest older adults with rib fractures may be at risk of experiencing delayed progression of trace hemothoraces or a delayed presentation of hemothoraces. Asymptomatic progression or readmission to other services/hospitals likely occurs and true dHTX rates are likely higher. Our preliminary findings suggest a possible anatomic explanation for severe chest wall injury patterns' association with dHTX. Further characterization and capturing the true incidence of dHTX first requires wider recognition of this complication.