Primary spontaneous haemopneumothorax: an overlooked emergency

Abstract

Primary spontaneous haemopneumothorax (PSHP) is a rare condition. Potentially grave consequences do occur as a result of a failure to reach the diagnosis early. We report a case of a 17-year-old male who presented with a picture of PSHP but was later also found to have a component of haemothorax. He underwent thoracoscopy which was converted to thoracotomy. A torn vascular adhesion was the source of bleeding which was clipped and haemostasis was achieved.