Lung hematocele
Last reviewed: 19.11.2021
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With traumatic damage to lung tissue with preserved integrity of the visceral pleura, lung hematocele may occur. This pathology is accompanied by chest pain, difficulty breathing, and sometimes hemoptysis.
Causes of the lung hematocele
The lungs are damaged due to mechanical stress on the chest area. This can be a blunt blow or the effect of a blast wave on the chest area. The most common injury is the result of a road traffic accident where the driver is bruised against the steering wheel on the chest.
Pathogenesis
During a strong blow to the chest area, its supporting frame is damaged: the ribs bend, damaging the lung tissue, injuring the vasculature. As a result, the parenchyma of the lung oozes with blood. Against the background of an increase in intrathoracic pressure, the interalveolar septa rupture, cyst-like elements are formed, which are filled with blood: this is the hematocele. Due to the anti-shock force, similar elements appear on the other side. The areas of the lungs saturated with blood become less elastic, which negatively affects gas exchange and leads to an increasing oxygen deprivation. [1]
Symptoms of the lung hematocele
The clinical picture of pathology can be different, depending on the extent of the damage. In relatively mild cases, patients report only mild chest pain on the affected side. The pain tends to intensify during a deep breath, body movements. [2]
If a symptom such as hemoptysis is present, it indicates moderate to severe damage. Other specific features include the following:
- increasing difficulty in breathing;
- cardiopalmus;
- hypotension;
- pallor and even cyanosis of the skin;
- external hematomas and bruising.
Complications and consequences
A limited superficial hematocele of the lung can occur without particular consequences. Moderate and severe pathology can be complicated by post-traumatic pneumonia, the formation of pneumofibrous zones. [3]
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Prevention
Prevention of complications consists in the timely treatment of the patient in a medical institution and following the doctor's recommendations.