Posterior mediastinal hematoma - a rare case following a fall from standing height: a case report

Abstract

Introduction: We present a previously unreported complication of a fall from standing height.

Case presentation: A 76-year-old woman sustained blunt chest trauma resulting from a fall from standing height. She was diagnosed with a mediastinal hematoma, and did well with supportive care. Follow up CT angiograms on days 2 and 4 of hospital stay revealed a stable hematoma and she did not require any intervention.

Conclusion: Mediastinal hematoma has been reported secondary to trauma, coagulation abnormalities and hematologic malignancies, but it not been reported secondary to a fall from standing height. Factors predisposing to a hematoma in this case were aspirin therapy and a modest elevation of INR secondary to chronic hepatitis C.

Figure 1

Posterior Mediastinal hematoma-high mediastinum – Please note the compressed trachea.