A Teenager Shot Multiple Times Develops Further Complications

Janice Verham, MD

Disclosures

December 06, 2022

Editor's Note:
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Background

A 19-year-old has developed a loculated pleural effusion after a percutaneous pigtail catheter was inserted into the right side of his chest 5 weeks after polytrauma from multiple gunshot wounds. Minimal output from the chest tube prompted interventional radiology to begin daily tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) administration through the pigtail catheter 2 days ago.

The patient describes diffuse right-sided chest pain and shortness of breath secondary to pain after the second administration of tPA. He has no leg pain, fevers, chills, or cough.

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