Pondaven E, Hanouz JL, Gérard JL, Bricard H. [Traumatic rupture of the pericardium. A rare diagnosis].
ANNALES FRANCAISES D'ANESTHESIE ET DE REANIMATION 1999;
17:1243-6. [PMID:
9881194 DOI:
10.1016/s0750-7658(99)80032-x]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Rupture of the pericardium is a rare complication of blunt chest trauma. The diagnosis is difficult and if it remains unrecognized, severe complications such as heart herniation may occur. We report the case of a 19-year-old patient with a traumatic rupture of the pericardium. The diagnosis was suggested by a pneumopericardium seen on the chest radiograph and CT-scan. Emergency thoracotomy enabled localisation of the tear, assessment of its size, and reparation of the tear to prevent heart herniation.
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