Ipsilateral Horner's Syndrome as a Rare Complication of Tube Thoracostomy

To the Editor: In the January 24 issue, Drs. Kahn and Brandt 1 described a patient in whom ipsilateral Horner's syndrome developed six days after intraoperative placement of a chest tube through a left thoracotomy incision. They attribute the development of ipsilateral ptosis, miosis, and anhidrosis to compression of the superior cervical ganglion by the chest tube. Their patient had complete resolution of her Horner's syndrome within three weeks after removal of the chest tube. We agree that forcible positioning of chest tubes into the apex or mediastinum is to be discouraged. When there is evidence of compromise of vital intrathoracic . . . No extract is available for articles shorter than 400 words.