Patient With Missed Right Ventricular Rupture From Blunt Trauma Remains Hemodynamically Stable for 3 Days

Abstract

Cardiac chamber rupture from blunt trauma is rare but can be fatal. Surprisingly, in some subsets of patients, it can be subtle and rather easily missed. Rapid recognition and management are essential. Percutaneous closure can be successful in iatrogenic chamber perforation (during pericardiocentesis) but possibly not in traumatic chamber rupture. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.)

Keywords

• blunt trauma
• cardiac chamber rupture
• cardiac injury
• percutaneous closure
• right ventricular perforation
• right ventricular rupture