Thoracic trauma occurs frequently but seldom requires surgery (10-20%, [1])
. The mortality rate for gunshot wound of the chest varies from 14.3 to 36.
8% [2]. We report, herein an example of bullet injury to the pulmonary arte
ry (PA) following a thoracic gunshot wound. This patient had previous histo
ry of coronary surgery. Absolute and relative indications for exploratory t
horacotomy in emergency will be reviewed. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. Al
l rights reserved.