hemopneumothorax

Hemopneumothorax is a condition where both air and blood collect in the pleural cavity, the space between the lung and the lining of the chest wall. This can occur due to a penetrating chest wound or, less commonly, from a ruptured lung or esophagus.1

This condition is distinct from a simple pneumothorax, which is the accumulation of air in the pleural space that can cause the lung to collapse. Hemothorax specifically involves the presence of bloody fluid, often resulting from damage to larger blood vessels in the chest wall, which can also be caused by injury or surgery. If hemopneumothorax significantly impacts breathing, a tube is inserted into the chest to drain the fluid and air, and surgery may be necessary if bleeding continues.21