Intercostal Artery Laceration: Rare Complication of Thoracentesis and Role of Ultrasound in Early Detection

Abstract EN

Hemothorax is a rare but potentially fatal postthoracentesis complication.

Early clinical signs may be nonspecific resulting in diagnostic delay.

A high index of suspicion is vital for early diagnosis and intervention to avoid further bleeding.

Following procedure, early bedside ultrasound findings can be vital for early detection.

We report a case of massive hemothorax in a 63-year-old male following therapeutic thoracentesis.

Diagnosis was made following highly suggestive sonographic findings prompting thoracotomy and lacerated intercostal artery cauterization.