Journal of Trauma and Injury

Management of cardiac trauma and penetrating cardiac injuries with severe hemorrhagic shock: a 5-year experience: Tran Thuc Khang; J Trauma Inj. 2024;37(4):268-275. Published online December 16, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2024.0063

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Abstract PDF: Purpose
The diagnosis and management of cardiac trauma and penetrating cardiac injuries pose significant challenges in emergency settings due to the rapid onset of life-threatening complications. This paper presents a narrative review to better describe the etiology, presentation, and management of penetrating cardiac trauma, offering insights and experiences related to performing emergency surgery for such cases.
Methods
We compiled cases of traumatic cardiac rupture and penetrating cardiac injuries accompanied by severe hemorrhagic shock that necessitated emergency surgery. Data were collected regarding the type of injury, causative agents, specific clinical features observed during emergency admission, intraoperative parameters, and treatment outcomes.
Results
Twenty-one patients (16 men, 5 women) with cardiac rupture or penetrating cardiac injuries were recorded. All patients presented in severe shock, and six cases (28.6%) experienced cardiac arrest upon arrival in the operating room. Cardiac rupture due to blunt chest trauma occurred in two cases (9.5%), and one case (4.8%) involved right atrial perforation due to complex open chest trauma. Penetrating injuries accounted for cardiac perforation in 18 cases (85.7%). Associated injuries were present in 11 cases (52.4%). The intraoperative mortality rate was 9.5%, and there was one postoperative death on the 11th day due to multiorgan failure.
Conclusions
Cardiac trauma and penetrating injuries are usually fatal unless promptly diagnosed and surgically treated. The timing and rapidity of emergency surgery—often foregoing ancillary tests and administrative procedures—are critical for patient survival. Emergency sternotomy, swift control of bleeding, and aggressive resuscitation are essential operative measures in saving lives. Factors that influence prognosis include the extent of blood loss, duration of cardiac arrest, acid-base imbalances, coagulopathy, multiorgan failure, and postoperative infections.; Summary

Successful Treatment of Blunt Traumatic Rupture of the Left Atrial Appendage and Pericardium: A Case Report: Kyu Hyouck Kyoung, Sung Ho Jung, Suk Kyung Hong; J Korean Soc Traumatol. 2011;24(2):168-170.

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Abstract PDF: Blunt cardiac rupture is uncommon and is associated with significant mortality. Patients with blunt cardiac rupture usually have combined injury and do not always show signs of cardiac tamponade, which delays the diagnosis of cardiac rupture and increases mortality. We report a case of cardiac rupture diagnosed and treated by using only thoracic exploration based on clinical impression, with radiologic studies, including even echocardiography, showing negative results.; Summary

Caval Injury due to Blunt Trauma: A Report of Two cases: Dae Woong Ryu, Mi Kyung Lee, Sam Youn Lee; J Trauma Inj. 2012;25(4):287-290.

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Abstract PDF: Cardiac rupture after blunt trauma is very rare and caval injury is even rarer. However, cardiac rupture after blunt trauma is associated with very high mortality and can occur without a high speed collision or severe thoracic injury. Symptoms are not expressed in all patients in the early stage, so the condition is easily overlooked if patients have an associated injury, minimal thoracic injury or relatively stable vital signs. We report the successful management of two cases of vena caval injury after blunt trauma with slight thoracic injury.; Summary

Surgical Treatment of Blunt Traumatic Cardiac Rupture: Two Case Reports: Tae Ook Noh, Pil Won Seo; J Trauma Inj. 2014;27(1):5-8.

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Abstract PDF: Although blunt traumatic cardiac rupture is an uncommon injury, it can be associated with a high mortality rate. Two cases of cardiac rupture in blunt trauma patients are described herein. In those cases, applications of mechanical support devices such as ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) and early surgery for exploration under cardiopulmonary bypass may be helpful for treating blunt chest trauma patients.; Summary

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