MANAGEMENT OF SEVERE BALLISTIC THORACIC TRAUMA: A CASE REPORT AND REVIEW OF CURRENT PRACTICES

Ballistic thoracic trauma represents a severe medical emergency, characterized by high rates of morbidity and mortality. These injuries typically occur in the context of interpersonal violence or firearm-related accidents and are associated with significant damage to thoracic structures, including the lungs, major blood vessels, and mediastinum. Effective management of such trauma relies on the rapid recognition of clinical signs, followed by prompt interventions to prevent potentially fatal complications such as massive hemothorax or respiratory distress. This case report describes the management of a 22-year-old man who sustained severe ballistic thoracic trauma. Upon admission, the patient presented with a massive hemothorax, mediastinal shift, and signs of acute respiratory decompensation. Following initial evaluation and partial stabilization, an emergency intervention consisting of thoracic drainage was performed on-site, leading to a rapid improvement in the patients clinical condition. The objective of this work is to highlight the importance of on-site interventions in the management of severe thoracic injuries, emphasizing the challenges faced in resource-limited settings and reviewing current recommendations for the management of ballistic thoracic trauma.