Penetrating chest wound is a complex pathology in terms of its clinical course diversity, when the range varies from partial pneumothorax and small hemothorax to massive bleeding associated with damage to large vessels or the heart.

This observation presents a case from the practice of a specialized department: subtotal hemothorax and tense hydropericardium on the 15th day after a stab wound in the area of the manubrium of the sternum.

It is noteworthy that the patient went to the hospital at her place of residence in the first hours after receiving the wound and was observed for a short time.

Within 15 days, subtotal hemothorax and tense hydropericardium developed, which were accompanied by severe respiratory and cardiac failure, which entailed the need for two-stage surgical treatment. The first stage involved drainage of the left pleural cavity with decompression of the pleural cavity and the second stage involved thoracotomy with pericardiotomy, lung decortication and partial pleurectomy.

Hospitalization and dynamic observation of patients with this nosology allows for timely detection of developing complications and their prevention at the initial stages with less extensive manipulations.

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