Hemothorax laboratory findings
|
Hemothorax Microchapters |
|
Diagnosis |
|---|
|
Treatment |
|
Case Studies |
|
Hemothorax laboratory findings On the Web |
|
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Hemothorax laboratory findings |
|
Risk calculators and risk factors for Hemothorax laboratory findings |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
The most common symptoms of hemothorax include severe chest pain. Patients with hemothorax usually appear dullness to percussion and decreased breath sounds, and dyspnea that can be life threatening when hemodynamic instability and hypovolemic shock occurs. Some patients with hemothorax may have reduced concentrations of hemoglobin. On chest x-ray, hemothorax is characterized by meniscus of fluid blunting the costophrenic angle or diaphragmatic surface and tracking up the pleural margins of the chest wall. Ultrasonography may be helpful in the diagnosis of hemothorax. Computed Tomographic scan is not indicated in the initial trauma setting to diagnosis of hemothorax.
Laboratory Findings
Signs of hemothorax may be seen on the following tests:
- Pleural fluid analysis.
- Thoracentesis.