The Importance of Electrocardiographic Screening in Cardiac Contusion after Blunt Chest Trauma: Case Reports

Abstract

Tracking and monitoring of patients with blunt chest trauma, especially blunt trauma is very important. As in all kinds of trauma, cardiac contusion in isolated chest trauma may result in acute coronary syndromes. We describe two patients who present with acute coronary syndrome after blunt chest trauma. Their ECG confirmed ST elevations in the inferior derivations, medical therapies and coronary angiography were carried out. Coronary angiographies have revealed no pathology in the coronary arteries. Their conditions were considered to be related to cardiac contusion due to trauma and stress. Cardiac contusion may occur in isolated chest traumas; however, it should be remembered that acute coronary syndrome may develop along with stress after any kind of trauma. [Cukurova Med J 2013; 38(4.000): 754-758]

Keywords

• Blunt chest trauma
• cardiac contusion
• ECG screening