Thoracic Stab Wound With Delayed Pneumoperitoneum and Pneumomediastinum

A 21-year-old man with a self-inflicted stab wound to the left upper anterior chest developed pneumoperitoneum & pneumomediastinum 7 hours post injury. Lacerations of the left hemidiaphragm & anterior wall of the stomach were repaired. He recovered without complications. Although brief (4-6 hours) outpatient observation of patients with seemingly superficial thoracic stab wounds recently has been recommended, this case suggests that longer observation periods may be appropriate.