Two-dimensional echocardiographic findings in cardiac trauma.
Publication/Presentation Date
11-1-1982
Abstract
Cardiac contusion is a potentially fatal complication of blunt chest trauma. The diagnosis is obscured because cardiac contusion usually occurs in a setting of multisystem trauma. Furthermore, the electrocardiographic changes are nonspecific. Experience with 2-dimensional echocardiography in evaluating cardiac trauma has not previously been emphasized. This report examines the results of 2-dimensional echocardiographic examinations in 7 patients after significant blunt chest trauma. Generalized right ventricular dilatation was identified in 4 cases; superimposed segmental areas of right ventricular dilatation occurred in 3. Three patients had localized myocardial thinning, and segmental wall motion abnormalities occurred in 2. Additional abnormalities identified included ventricular thrombi (4 right and 1 left ventricular), fibrinous pericardial effusion (1), ruptured tricuspid chordae with flail leaflet (1), and a small aneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva (1). It is concluded that 2-dimensional echocardiography is useful for diagnosing cardiac contusion, for estimating the extent of myocardial damage, and for identifying accompanying cardiac lesions such as thrombi, pericardial effusion, and valvular disruption.
Volume
50
Issue
5
First Page
1022
Last Page
1027
ISSN
0002-9149
Published In/Presented At
Miller, F. A., Jr, Seward, J. B., Gersh, B. J., Tajik, A. J., & Mucha, P., Jr (1982). Two-dimensional echocardiographic findings in cardiac trauma. The American journal of cardiology, 50(5), 1022–1027. https://doi.org/10.1016/0002-9149(82)90412-x
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences
PubMedID
7137027
Department(s)
Department of Surgery
Document Type
Article