J Korean Soc Emerg Med.  2005 Oct;16(5):600-603.

Spontaneous Tension Hemothorax due to the Rupture of an Intercostal Artery Aneurysm in Type I Neurofibromatosis: A Case Report

• Ko YH
• Jeung KW
• Heo T

Abstract

A spontaneous tension hemothorax due to the rupture of an intercostal artery aneurysm is a rare complication of type I neurofibromatosis. Until now, around 23 cases have been reported. The patient reported here presented with a spontaneous tension hemothorax. At the emergency department, we were faced with a rapidly aggravating hemodynamic compromise after chest tubing. An emergent thoracotomy revealed an actively bleeding huge intercostal artery aneurysm. We intended primarily to repair the bleeding aneurysm, but we failed with because of vascular fragility. Thus we present this case to share our terrible experience to other physicians.

Keyword

Hemothorax; Aneurysm; Neurofibromatosis

MeSH Terms

Aneurysm*
Arteries*
Emergency Service, Hospital
Hemodynamics
Hemorrhage
Hemothorax*
Humans
Neurofibromatoses*
Rupture*
Thoracotomy
Thorax