Horner’s syndrome as a rare outcome of a penetrating subclavicular stab wound

Yamini, Ali; Faghih Soleimani, Mobin; Khosronezhad, Saman; Amiri, Ehsan

doi:10.48307/atr.2025.484281.1166

Horner’s syndrome as a rare outcome of a penetrating subclavicular stab wound

Document Type : Case Report

Authors

Ali Yamini ¹

Mobin Faghih Soleimani ²

Saman Khosronezhad ²

Ehsan Amiri ²

¹ Assistant Professor of Surgery, Ward of Surgery, Besat Hospital, Hamadan, Iran

² Student Research Committee, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran

10.48307/atr.2025.484281.1166

Abstract

Background: Horner’s syndrome is characterized by the triad of miosis, ptosis, and anhidrosis, indicating disruption in the oculosympathetic pathway. It typically occurs following injury to the cervical sympathetic chain, often secondary to neoplasms or surgical procedures. This syndrome occurring after chest trauma is rare and has been documented only in a limited number of case reports.
Case presentation: A 42-year-old man was admitted with a stab wound to the left subclavicular region. He had a massive left hemothorax, rupture of the left subclavian vein, and a laceration of the superior lobe of the left lung, all of which were successfully managed. A miotic left pupil was noted on admission, and anhidrosis of the face and hand on the same side was reported the following day. The symptoms were attributed to the compressive effect of an apical lung hematoma. The patient’s symptoms remained unchanged during a 6-month follow-up period.
Discussion: Horner’s syndrome following trauma may aid clinicians in recognizing serious and potentially life-threatening conditions, such as aortic dissection, highlighting the importance of a thorough evaluation of the neural pathways in thoracic injuries.

Keywords

Horner&rsquo

s syndrome, Chest trauma, Penetrating chest trauma, Lung hematoma, Stab injury