V. Baili, MD

Traumatic hemothorax usually results from penetrating or contused thoracic injuries that lead to rib fracture and damage of intercostal or pulmonary vessels. Hemorrhagic shock can occur with massive blood loss into the pleural space. The shock state may be exacerbated by decreased venous return.

A 65-year-old woman experienced dyspnea, dizziness, and left pleuritic pain several hours after falling down a flight of stairs. Shallow breathing and increased tenderness of the left thoracic wall were evident with palpation. Decreased breath sounds on the left and dullness on percussion were also noted.