HTX
Medical abbreviation · Respiratory
| Stands for | Hemothorax |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
HTX stands for Hemothorax, a respiratory abbreviation.
Collection of blood in the pleural space, most often from chest trauma such as rib fractures or penetrating injury, and occasionally from surgery, anticoagulation or tumors. Large bleeds cause shock and compress the lung.
Example: Stab wound to the right chest; CXR shows large HTX, chest tube drained 1,600 mL: thoracotomy.
Usage notes
Initial drainage of more than about 1,500 mL of blood, or ongoing output of around 200 mL per hour, is a classic indication for surgery. Retained clot can lead to infection (empyema) or a fibrous peel that traps the lung, often treated with video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. A combined hemopneumothorax contains both air and blood.
Related abbreviations
More respiratory abbreviations
- GINA – Global Initiative for Asthma
- GOLD – Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease
- HCAP – Healthcare-associated pneumonia
- HFNC – High-flow nasal cannula
- HP – Hypersensitivity pneumonitis
- HSAT – Home sleep apnea test
- ICS – Inhaled corticosteroid
- ILD – Interstitial lung disease
- iNO – Inhaled nitric oxide
- IPF – Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
- LABA – Long-acting beta2-agonist
- LAMA – Long-acting muscarinic antagonist
See all 109 respiratory abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.