Understanding Traumatic Blunt Cardiac Injury
Review Article Understanding traumatic blunt cardiac injury Ayman El-Menyar1,2, Hassan Al Thani1, Ahmad Zarour1, Rifat Latifi1,2 1Department of Surgery, Section of Trauma Surgery, Hamad Medical Corporation, 2Clinical Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical School, Qatar ABSTRACT Cardiac injuries are classified as blunt and penetrating injuries. In both the injuries, the major issue is missing the diagnosis and high mortality. Blunt cardiac injuries (BCI) are much more common than penetrating injuries. Aiming at a better understanding of BCI, we searched the literature from January 1847 to January 2012 by using MEDLINE and EMBASE search engines. Using the key word “Blunt Cardiac Injury,” we found 1814 articles; out of which 716 articles were relevant. Herein, we review the causes, diagnosis, and management of BCI. In conclusion, traumatic cardiac injury is a major challenge in critical trauma care, but the guidelines are lacking. A high index of suspicion, application of current diagnostic protocols, and prompt and appropriate management is mandatory. Received: 17-3-2012 Accepted: 29-6-2012 Key words: Blunt trauma, Blunt cardiac injury, Aortic injury INTRODUCTION echocardiographic analysis, 24 prospective studies, 20 retrospective studies, and 1 Cardiac injuries are classified as blunt meta-analysis. Herein, we review the causes, and penetrating injuries. In both the type diagnosis, and management of BCI. of injuries, the major issue is missing the diagnosis and high mortality. Blunt cardiac BLUNT CARDIAC INJURY injuries (BCIs) are much more common than penetrating injuries. Penetrating trauma is seen BCI ranges from asymptomatic myocardial in urban trauma centers and predominantly bruise to cardiac rupture and death.[2-4] BCIs due to stab wounds, gunshot wounds, or less most often occur during motor vehicle crashes commonly other iatrogenic instrumentation.
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