Abstract
RATIONALE: Tension viscerothorax is a severe condition characterized by significant increases in thoracic pressure due to the herniation of abdominal organs into the thoracic cavity. It is commonly observed in children with congenital diaphragmatic hernias or as a postoperative complication, while tension viscerothorax resulting from blunt trauma is rare. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 48-year-old male was urgently admitted to the emergency department with dyspnea following a fall from a height of 15 m. DIAGNOSES: The patient, presenting in shock and based on clinical signs, was initially diagnosed with a tension pneumothorax (TPT). Bedside point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) revealed substantial parenchymal echo abnormalities in the left thoracic cavity and cardiac displacement to the right, suggesting a left-sided tension viscerothorax. Thoracic and abdominal computed tomography confirmed the diagnosis of a rare left-sided tension viscerothorax. INTERVENTIONS: Due to the delayed diagnosis, the patient experienced a cardiac arrest. Following cardiopulmonary resuscitation and advanced life support, the patient regained spontaneous circulation and underwent an emergency laparotomy to reduce abdominal organs and repair a diaphragmatic hernia. Postoperatively, the patient received comprehensive medical care. OUTCOMES: The patient recovered well postsurgery and was discharged after an 18-day hospital stay. Follow-up over 2 years revealed no significant complications. LESSONS: Blunt trauma-induced tension viscerothorax is rare and can easily be confused with TPT, leading to misdiagnosis. Early use of bedside POCUS is recommended for suspected cases to expedite identification and management, thereby improving survival rates.