Cardiac rupture due to Blunt Injury

Case Report

Journal of the Korean Society of Traumatology 2003;16(2):161-162.

Jin Hee Lee, M.D., Yoo Sang Youn, M.D., In Cheol Park, M.D., and Seung Ho Kim, M.D.

Department of Emergency Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea

흉부 압박 손상에 의한 심장 파열 1례

이진희·윤유상·박인철·김승호

연세대학교 의과대학 응급의학교실

Abstract

Blunt injury to the heart ranges from a contusion to a cardiac rupture. Cardiac rupture, however, is uncommon and is associated with a very high mortality rate. We experienced a case of right atrial rupture caused by a compression to the chest wall. The patient was a 19-year-old male who suffered injury by being crushed under an elevator. We suspected cardiac tamponade caused by cardiac rupture with profound shock, elevated central venous pressure, and anterior chest wall bruise. Rapid diagnosis was done by using emergency sonography. Percutaneous pericardiocentesis was done. The patient was sent to O.R., and the right atrial rupture was repaired with a simple suture.

Key Words: Cardiac rupture; Cardiac tamponade; Percutaneous pericardiocentesis;
Emergency sonography