Tension hemothorax caused by a ruptured aneurysm of the descending thoracic aorta: Report of a case

The rupture of an aneurysm of the descending thoracic aorta into the right thoracic cavity is a comparatively rare event, and it is very difficult to establish a diagnosis immediately and rescue such patients. We describe her ein the successful surgical treatment of a patient with this life-threateni ng emergency by initiating immediate cardiopulmonary bypass, It is mandator y to drain the right thoracic bleeding through a left thoracotomy without d elay to release the tension hemothorax, Furthermore, it is necessary to eva cuate the right thoracic hematoma through a right thoracotomy, because comp lete removal of a huge hematoma through a left thoracotomy cannot be effect ively achieved.