A rare and life-threatening case of spontaneous hemopneumothorax presenting with severe hemodynamic instability

Abstract

Spontaneous hemopneumothorax is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition requiring urgent intervention. We report the case of a 58-year-old male who presented with acute right-sided chest pain, dyspnea, and hemodynamic instability without a history of trauma. Imaging confirmed a tension hemopneumothorax, which was initially managed with chest tube placement, leading to stabilization and partial lung re-expansion. However, persistent air leaks and incomplete re-expansion necessitated further intervention, including the placement of a second chest tube and transfer for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. This case highlights the importance of prompt diagnosis and a multidisciplinary approach to managing spontaneous hemopneumothorax to prevent life-threatening complications.