EXTRA-PLEURAL HEMATOMA SECONDARY TO BLUNT CHEST TRAUMA - AN UNUSUAL PRESENTATION

The case history is described of a young man who presented with an app arent splenic rupture following thoracic compression during a rugby ta ckle. The actual diagnosis was that of an extra-pleural haematoma foll owing transection of the internal mammary artery. This case is discuss ed within the context of the rarity of such a presentation - both in t he site of the haematoma and the cause of the transection; and the pro blems posed in making the initial diagnosis.