Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery, 2022 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13019-022-01984-7 · Published: August 26, 2022
Osteochondromas, also known as exostoses, are common benign bone tumors. They are often asymptomatic but can cause problems if they grow and irritate surrounding tissues. This paper describes a case where a costal exostosis (bony growth on a rib) caused a hemothorax (bleeding into the chest cavity) in a young girl. The exostosis injured the diaphragm, leading to bleeding. The paper also reviews similar cases reported in medical literature.
Clinicians should consider costal exostosis as a possible cause of hemothorax, especially in young patients presenting with chest pain and pleural effusion.
Thoracic CT scans play a crucial role in diagnosing costal osteochondromas and planning appropriate surgical intervention.
Prophylactic surgical removal of intrathoracic exostoses should be considered even in asymptomatic patients if there is evidence of inward bony spiculation to prevent potential complications.