[Delayed epipleural hematoma as a fatal complication following blunt chest injury].

Delayed epipleural haematoma was found on autopsy of a 92-year-old woman after a fall at her home. X-ray performed 3 hours after the blunt thoracic trauma showed fractures of 5 ribs on the right side without any indication of intrathoracic bleeding or masses. Dressing and moving the patient about one day later caused multiple injuries of intercostal arteries and subsequently led to epipleural haematoma and unexpected death. Origin and morphology of epipleural haematoma are discussed with reference to a pertinent report in the literature. Hospitalization, with utmost care in nursing attention, is recommended in the treatment of patients presenting with thoracic trauma.