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Trauma to the heart: A review of presentation, diagnosis, and treatment. J Trauma Acute Care Surg 2017; 83:911-916. [DOI: 10.1097/ta.0000000000001667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Strumwasser A, Chong V, Chu E, Victorino GP. Thoracic computed tomography is an effective screening modality in patients with penetrating injuries to the chest. Injury 2016; 47:2000-5. [PMID: 27324324 DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2016.05.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2015] [Revised: 05/02/2016] [Accepted: 05/28/2016] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The precise role of thoracic CT in penetrating chest trauma remains to be defined. We hypothesized that thoracic CT effectively screens hemodynamically normal patients with penetrating thoracic trauma to surgery vs. expectant management (NOM). METHODS A ten-year review of all penetrating torso cases was retrospectively analyzed from our urban University-based trauma center. We included hemodynamically normal patients (systolic blood pressure ≥90) with penetrating chest injuries that underwent screening thoracic CT. Hemodynamically unstable patients and diaphragmatic injuries were excluded. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were calculated. RESULTS A total of 212 patients (mean injury severity score=24, Abbreviated Injury Score for Chest=3.9) met inclusion criteria. Of these, 84.3% underwent NOM, 9.1% necessitated abdominal exploration, 6.6% underwent exploration for retained hemothorax/empyema, 6.6% underwent immediate thoracic exploration for significant injuries on chest CT, and 1.0% underwent delayed thoracic exploration for missed injuries. Thoracic CT had a sensitivity of 82%, specificity of 99%, positive predictive value of 90%, a negative predictive value of 99%, and an accuracy of 99% in predicting surgery vs. NOM. CONCLUSIONS Thoracic CT has a negative predictive value of 99% in triaging hemodynamically normal patients with penetrating chest trauma. Screening thoracic CT successfully excludes surgery in patients with non-significant radiologic findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Strumwasser
- University of California, San Francisco-East Bay, Department of Surgery, 1411 East 31st Street, Oakland, CA, United States.
| | - Vincent Chong
- University of California, San Francisco-East Bay, Department of Surgery, 1411 East 31st Street, Oakland, CA, United States.
| | - Eveline Chu
- University of California, San Francisco-East Bay, Department of Surgery, 1411 East 31st Street, Oakland, CA, United States
| | - Gregory P Victorino
- University of California, San Francisco-East Bay, Department of Surgery, 1411 East 31st Street, Oakland, CA, United States.
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Abstract
Cardiac trauma is a leading cause of death in the United States and occurs mostly due to motor vehicle accidents. Blunt cardiac trauma and penetrating chest injuries are most common, and both can lead to aortic injuries. Timely diagnosis and early management are the key to improve mortality. Cardiac computed tomography and cardiac ultrasound are the 2 most important diagnostic modalities. Mortality related to cardiac trauma remains high despite improvement in diagnosis and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sucheta Gosavi
- Division of Cardiology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Alan H. Tyroch
- Department of Surgery, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Debabrata Mukherjee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, TX, USA
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Baxi AJ, Restrepo C, Mumbower A, McCarthy M, Rashmi K. Cardiac Injuries: A Review of Multidetector Computed Tomography Findings. Trauma Mon 2015; 20:e19086. [PMID: 26839855 PMCID: PMC4727463 DOI: 10.5812/traumamon.19086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2014] [Revised: 06/12/2014] [Accepted: 07/12/2014] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Trauma is the leading cause of death in United States in the younger population. Cardiac trauma is common following blunt chest injuries and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. This study discusses various multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) findings of cardiac trauma. Cardiac injuries are broadly categorized into the most commonly occurring blunt cardiac injury and the less commonly occurring penetrating injury. Signs and symptoms of cardiac injury can be masked by the associated injuries. Each imaging modality including chest radiographs, echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging and MDCT has role in evaluating these patients. However, MDCT is noninvasive; universally available and has a high spatial, contrast, and temporal resolution. It is a one stop shop to diagnose and evaluate complications of cardiac injury. MDCT is an imaging modality of choice to evaluate patients with cardiac injuries especially the injuries capable of causing hemodynamic instability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ameya Jagdish Baxi
- Department of Radiology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, USA
- Corresponding author: Ameya Jagdish Baxi, Department of Radiology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, USA. Tel: +1-2105675535, E-mail:
| | - Carlos Restrepo
- Department of Radiology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, USA
| | - Amy Mumbower
- Department of Radiology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, USA
| | - Michael McCarthy
- Department of Radiology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, USA
| | - Katre Rashmi
- Department of Radiology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, USA
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Penetrating Heart Injury due to Screwdriver Assault. Case Rep Cardiol 2015; 2015:140507. [PMID: 25945263 PMCID: PMC4402181 DOI: 10.1155/2015/140507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2014] [Accepted: 03/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Penetrating heart injuries cause wounds in the cardiac chambers. Most of them are due to gunshot or stabbing by knives. Screwdriver is an uncommon weapon. Authors report a case of stab wound by screwdriver, treated at cardiovascular center in Dakar. This is a 16-year-old boy who experienced physical aggression. He was assaulted with a screwdriver and had stab wound on the anterior wall of the chest. Physical examination showed a screwdriver penetrating the sternum bone over a right angle. He had a mild pericardial blood effusion and a right ventricle wound 5 mm in diameter with transection of the right coronary vein. The screwdriver was removed without cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and the ventricle wound repaired by direct suture of stitches reinforced with Teflon pledgets. The right coronary artery was ligated. Postoperative period was free of events. Screwdriver is uncommonly used as a weapon. It is a dangerous device because of its rigid structure and narrow tip.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the sensitivity of emergency department ultrasonography (US) in the diagnosis of occult cardiac injuries. BACKGROUND Internationally, US has become the investigation of choice in screening patients for a possible cardiac injury after penetrating chest trauma by detecting blood in the pericardial sac. METHODS Patients presenting with a penetrating chest wound and a possible cardiac injury to the Groote Schuur Hospital Trauma Centre between October 2001 and February 2009 were prospectively evaluated. All patients were hemodynamically stable, had no indication for emergency surgery, and had an US scan followed by subxiphoid pericardial window exploration. RESULTS There were a total of 172 patients (median age = 26 years; range, 11-65 years). The mechanism of injury was stab wounds in 166 (96%) and gunshot wounds in 6. The sensitivity of US in detecting hemopericardium was 86.7%, with a positive predictive value of 77%. There were 18 false-negatives. Eleven of these false-negatives had an associated hemothorax and 6 had pneumopericardium. A single patient had 2 negative US examinations and returned with delayed cardiac tamponade. CONCLUSIONS The sensitivity of US to detect hemopericardium in stable patients was only 86.7%. The 2 main factors that limit the screening are the presence of a hemothorax and air in the pericardial sac. A new regimen for screening of occult injuries to make allowance for this is proposed.
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Reginelli A, Russo A, Maresca D, Martiniello C, Cappabianca S, Brunese L. Imaging assessment of gunshot wounds. Semin Ultrasound CT MR 2014; 36:57-67. [PMID: 25639178 DOI: 10.1053/j.sult.2014.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Gunshot injuries occur when someone is shot by a bullet or other sort of projectile from a firearm. Wounds are generally classified as low velocity (less than 609.6m/s) or high velocity (more than 609.6m/s). Those with higher velocity may be expected, on this basis, to dissipate more energy into surrounding tissue as they are slow and cause more tissue damage, but this is only a very approximate guide. However, these terms can be misleading; more important than velocity is the efficiency of energy transfer, which is dependent on the physical characteristics of the projectile, as well as the kinetic energy, stability, entrance profile and path traveled through the body, and the biological characteristics of the tissues injured. Hemodynamically stable patients and patients who stabilized after simple immediate resuscitation were evaluated with a careful history and physical examination. A routine x-ray is performed in patients with gunshot wounds. Indication for total body computed tomography (CT) is based on the presence of signs and symptoms of vascular damage at clinical examination. Patients are immediately transferred in the operating room for surgery if more serious injuries that require immediate surgical care are not diagnosed, or hemostasis may be preliminary reached in the emergency room. Hemodynamically stable patients with no history and clinical examination showing suspected vascular damage are allowed in the radiology department for obtaining a total body CT scan with intravenous contrast medium and then transferred to the surgical ward trauma for observation. After 24 hours without the complications, patient can be discharged. CT is the procedure of choice to identify hemorrhage, air, bullet, bone fragments, hemothorax, nerve lesion, musculoskeletal lesions, and vessels injuries and is useful for assessing medicolegal aspects as trajectory and the anatomical structures at risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfonso Reginelli
- Department of Internal and Experimental Medicine, Magrassi-Lanzara, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy.
| | - Anna Russo
- Department of Radiology, S. G. Moscati Hospital, Aversa, Italy
| | - Duilia Maresca
- Department of Internal and Experimental Medicine, Magrassi-Lanzara, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Salvatore Cappabianca
- Department of Internal and Experimental Medicine, Magrassi-Lanzara, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Luca Brunese
- Department of Internal and Experimental Medicine, Magrassi-Lanzara, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy; Department of Health Science, University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
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The J-wave: a new electrocardiographic sign of an occult cardiac injury. Injury 2014; 45:112-5. [PMID: 23856630 DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2013.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2013] [Revised: 06/03/2013] [Accepted: 06/15/2013] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of a J wave on the electrocardiogram (ECG) to detect an occult cardiac injury in patients following penetrating chest trauma. METHOD A prospective study conducted on patients admitted to the Groote Schuur Hospital Trauma Centre following penetrating chest trauma during the period of 1st October 2001 and 28th February 2009, who did not have an indication for emergency surgery and that underwent an ECG and later a subxiphoid pericardial window (SPW) for a potential cardiac injury. All the patients were easily resuscitatable with less than 2l of crystalloid. A standard 12-lead ECG was performed shortly after admission. A J wave was defined as the small positive reflection on the R-ST junction. RESULTS There were 174 patients where an ECG was performed and the patient underwent SPW for a possible cardiac injury. The mean age of the patients was 28 years (range 11-65). The mechanism of injury was stab wounds in 167 patients and 7 low velocity gunshot wounds. A J-wave was present on the ECG in 65 (37%) of the 174 patients with a possible cardiac injury. The sensitivity of a J wave to detect a hemopericardium was 44%, specificity was 85%, and positive predictive value of 91% (p<0.001). CONCLUSION The presence of a 'J' wave on ECG signifies a significant risk of an occult cardiac injury after penetrating thoracic trauma.
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Penetrating cardiac injury and the significance of chest computed tomography findings. Emerg Radiol 2013; 20:279-84. [PMID: 23471527 DOI: 10.1007/s10140-013-1113-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2012] [Accepted: 02/25/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
In rare circumstances, hemodynamically stable patients can harbor serious penetrating cardiac injuries. We hypothesized that chest computed tomography (CCT) is potentially useful in evaluation. The records of all patients admitted to our center with wounds to the precordium or who sustained a hemothorax or pneumothorax after penetrating torso injuries over a 48-month period were reviewed. Those having an admission CCT were studied. The potential diagnostic value of hemopericardium (HPC) and pneumopericardium (PPC) on CCT was examined. Most of the 333 patients were male [293 (88.0 %)] with a roughly equal distribution of gunshot [189 (56.8 %)] and stab [144 (43.2 %)] wounds. Mean age was 28.7 ± 12.6 years. Thirteen (3.9 %) patients had cardiac injuries that were operatively managed. Eleven (3.3 %) CCT studies demonstrated HPC and/or PPC. Ten of these patients had an injury with one false positive. Retained hemothorax and proximity findings on the three false negative CCT studies led to video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery or subxiphoid exploration with diagnosis of the injury. HPC and/or PPC on CCT had a sensitivity of 76.9 %, specificity of 99.7 %, positive predictive value of 90.9 %, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 99.1 % for cardiac injuries. However, including all findings that changed management, CCT had a sensitivity and NPV of 100 %. CCT is a potentially useful modality for the evaluation of cardiac injuries in high-risk stable patients. The presence of HPC and/or PPC on CCT after penetrating thoracic trauma is highly indicative of a significant cardiac injury.
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Abstract
Management of the metallic foreign body in the heart remains controversial. Evaluation of possible methods for this issue and its possible treatments are discussed, the results of which may lead to a more effective strategy for management of intracardiac foreign bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoweng Wang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P.R. China
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Hsia RY, Mahadevan SV, Brundage SI. Penetrating Cardiac Injury from a Wooden Knitting Needle. J Emerg Med 2012; 43:116-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2010.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2010] [Revised: 05/20/2010] [Accepted: 06/13/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Mollberg NM, Wise SR, De Hoyos AL, Lin FJ, Merlotti G, Massad MG. Chest computed tomography for penetrating thoracic trauma after normal screening chest roentgenogram. Ann Thorac Surg 2012; 93:1830-5. [PMID: 22560266 DOI: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2012.02.095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2011] [Revised: 02/16/2012] [Accepted: 02/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chest computed tomography (CCT) is a method of screening for intrathoracic injuries in hemodynamically stable patients with penetrating thoracic trauma. The objective of this study was to examine the changes in utilization of CCT over time and evaluate its contribution to guiding therapeutic intervention. METHODS A level 1 trauma center registry was queried between 2006 and 2011. Patients undergoing CCT in the emergency department after penetrating thoracic trauma as well as patients undergoing thoracic operations for penetrating thoracic trauma were identified. Patient demographics, operative indications, use of CCT, injuries, and hospital admissions were analyzed. RESULTS In all, 617 patients had CCTs performed, of whom 61.1% (371 of 617) had a normal screening plain chest radiograph (CXR). In 14.0% (51 of 371) of these cases, the CCT revealed findings not detected on screening CXR. The majority of these injuries were occult pneumothoraces or hemothoraces (84.3%; 43 of 51), of which 27 (62.8%) underwent tube thoracostomy. In only 0.5% (2 of 371), did the results of CCT alone lead to an operative indication: exploration for hemopericardium. The use of CCT in our patients significantly increased overall (28.8% to 71.4%) as well as after a normal screening CXR (23.3% to 74.6%) over the study period. CONCLUSIONS The use of CCT for penetrating thoracic trauma increased 3.5-fold during the study period with a concurrent increase in findings of uncertain clinical significance. Patients with a normal screening CXR should be triaged with 3-hour delayed CXR, serial physical examinations, and focused assessment with sonography for trauma; and CCT should only be used selectively as a diagnostic modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan M Mollberg
- Department of Surgery, Division of General Surgery, University of Illinois at Mount Sinai Hospital, and Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60608, USA.
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Restrepo CS, Gutierrez FR, Marmol-Velez JA, Ocazionez D, Martinez-Jimenez S. Imaging Patients with Cardiac Trauma. Radiographics 2012; 32:633-49. [DOI: 10.1148/rg.323115123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Clarke DL, Quazi MA, Reddy K, Thomson SR. Emergency operation for penetrating thoracic trauma in a metropolitan surgical service in South Africa. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2011; 142:563-8. [PMID: 21843762 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2011.03.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2011] [Revised: 02/19/2011] [Accepted: 03/18/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This audit examines our total experience with penetrating thoracic trauma. It reviews all the patients who were brought alive to our surgical service and all who were taken directly to the mortuary. The group of patients who underwent emergency operation for penetrating thoracic trauma is examined in detail. METHODOLOGY A prospective trauma registry is maintained by the Pietermaritzburg Metropolitan Complex. This database was retrospectively interrogated for all patients requiring an emergency thoracic operation for penetrating injury from July 2006 till July 2009. A retrospective review of mortuary data for the same period was undertaken to identify patients with penetrating thoracic trauma who had been taken to the forensic mortuary. RESULTS Over the 3-year period July 2006 to July 2009, a total of 1186 patients, 77 of whom were female, were admitted to the surgical services in Pietermaritzburg with penetrating thoracic trauma. There were 124 gunshot wounds and 1062 stab wounds. A total of 108 (9%) patients required emergency operation during the period under review. The mechanism of trauma in the operative group was stab wounds (n = 102), gunshot wound (n = 4), stab with compass (n = 1), and impalement by falling on an arrow (n = 1). Over the same period 676 persons with penetrating thoracic trauma were taken to the mortuary. There were 135 (20%) gunshot wounds of the chest in the mortuary cohort. The overall mortality for penetrating thoracic trauma was 541 (33%) of 1603 for stab wounds and 135 (52%) of 259 for gunshot wounds of the chest. Among the 541 subjects with stab wounds from the mortuary cohort, there were 206 (38%) with cardiac injuries. In the emergency operation group there were 11 (10%) deaths. In 76 patients a cardiac injury was identified. The other injuries identified were lung parenchyma bleeding (n = 12) intercostal vessels (n = 10), great vessels of the chest (n = 6), internal thoracic vessel (n = 2), and pericardial injury with no myocardial injury (n = 2). Most patients reached the hospital within 60 minutes of sustaining their injury. A subset of 12 patients had much longer delays of 12 to 24 hours. Surgical access was via median sternotomy in 56 patients and lateral thoracotomy in 52. The overall mortality for penetrating cardiac trauma in our series was 217 (76%) of 282. CONCLUSIONS Penetrating thoracic trauma has a high mortality rate of 30% for subjects with stab wounds and 52% for those with gunshot wounds. Less than a quarter of patients with a penetrating cardiac injury reach the hospital alive. Of those who do and who are operated on, about 90 percent will survive. Other injuries necessitating emergency operation are lung parenchyma, intercostal vessels and internal thoracic vessels, and great vessels of the thorax. Gunshot wounds of the thorax remain more lethal than stab wounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damian Luiz Clarke
- Metropolitan Trauma Service Pietermaritzburg, Department of General Surgery, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Durban, South Africa.
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Abstract
This article discusses the role of imaging in evaluating patients who are admitted with penetrating injuries to the chest. Emphasis is placed on the role of multidetector row CT, which has been introduced in the past 5 years into the arena of care for trauma victims. It is important to take full advantage of this new CT technology with its capability to produce high-resolution multiplanar and volumetric images to diagnose penetrating chest injuries. This article emphasizes detection of active bleeding and assessment of the mediastinum for penetrating injury.
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Enríquez SG, Fernández CG, Entem FR, San José Garagarza JM, Durán RM. Delayed pericardial tamponade after penetrating chest trauma. Eur J Emerg Med 2005; 12:86-8. [PMID: 15756084 DOI: 10.1097/00063110-200504000-00008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Delayed pericardial tamponade (PT) after penetrating heart trauma is now a rare condition as a result of advances in medical and surgical management. We report the case of a 32-year-old man with delayed PT after a stab wound from a knife. The initial evaluation was consistent with a traumatic apical myocardial infarction. After an uneventful initial course, the patient developed acute PT, which required emergency surgery. A thrombus was discovered over a laceration in the mid-segment of the left anterior descending artery and a simple suture was performed.
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Dunham CM, Sipe EK, Peluso L. Emergency department spirometric volume and base deficit delineate risk for torso injury in stable patients. BMC Surg 2004; 4:3. [PMID: 14731306 PMCID: PMC343284 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2482-4-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2003] [Accepted: 01/19/2004] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We sought to determine torso injury rates and sensitivities associated with fluid-positive abdominal ultrasound, metabolic acidosis (increased base deficit and lactate), and impaired pulmonary physiology (decreased spirometric volume and PaO2/FiO2). Methods Level I trauma center prospective pilot and post-pilot study (2000–2001) of stable patients. Increased base deficit was < 0.0 in ethanol-negative and ≤ -3.0 in ethanol-positive patients. Increased lactate was > 2.5 mmol/L in ethanol-negative and ≥ 3.0 mmol/L in ethanol-positive patients. Decreased PaO2/FiO2 was < 350 and decreased spirometric volume was < 1.8 L. Results Of 215 patients, 66 (30.7%) had a torso injury (abdominal/pelvic injury n = 35 and/or thoracic injury n = 43). Glasgow Coma Scale score was 14.8 ± 0.5 (13–15). Torso injury rates and sensitivities were: abdominal ultrasound negative and normal base deficit, lactate, PaO2/FiO2, and spirometric volume – 0.0% & 0.0%; normal base deficit and normal spirometric volume – 4.2% & 4.5%; chest/abdominal soft tissue injury – 37.8% & 47.0%; increased lactate – 39.7% & 47.0%; increased base deficit – 41.3% & 75.8%; increased base deficit and/or decreased spirometric volume – 43.8% & 95.5%; decreased PaO2/FiO2 – 48.9% & 33.3%; positive abdominal ultrasound – 62.5% & 7.6%; decreased spirometric volume – 73.4% & 71.2%; increased base deficit and decreased spirometric volume – 82.9% & 51.5%. Conclusions Trauma patients with normal base deficit and spirometric volume are unlikely to have a torso injury. Patients with increased base deficit or lactate, decreased spirometric volume, decreased PaO2/FiO2, or positive FAST have substantial risk for torso injury. Increased base deficit and/or decreased spirometric volume are highly sensitive for torso injury. Base deficit and spirometric volume values are readily available and increase or decrease the suspicion for torso injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Michael Dunham
- Department of Surgery, St. Elizabeth Health Center, Belmont Avenue, Youngstown, OH, USA
| | - Eilynn K Sipe
- Department of Surgery, Ferguson Clinic, Jefferson Road SE, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - LeeAnn Peluso
- Department of Surgery, St. Elizabeth Health Center, Belmont Avenue, Youngstown, OH, USA
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Abstract
The introduction of CT imaging in the 1970s revolutionized all aspects of medical care, perhaps nowhere more so than in the evaluation of acutely injured patients. Just as single-slice helical scanning was a great advance over conventional CT, the capabilities of MSCT are proving to be dramatically superior to single-slice methods. Improved contrast bolus imaging, thinner slices, and isotropic voxels should enable the trauma radiologist to identify both major organ system disruption and subtle injuries more promptly. Multiplanar and three-dimensional reconstructions, a forte of MSCT, facilitate rapid communication of disease states with surgeons and others involved in the care of injured patients. In many centers, whole-body CT is beginning to supplant plain films of the chest and spine in the evaluation of severe trauma victims; the cost-effectiveness of such methods is still under evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis A Rivas
- Department of Radiology, University of Miami School of Medicine, Jackson Memorial Hospital, West Wing 279, 1611 Northwest 12th Avenue, Miami, FL 33136, USA
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Pons F, Lang-Lazdunski L, de Kerangal X, Chapuis O, Bonnet PM, Jancovici R. The role of videothoracoscopy in management of precordial thoracic penetrating injuries. Eur J Cardiothorac Surg 2002; 22:7-12. [PMID: 12103365 DOI: 10.1016/s1010-7940(02)00248-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To report on the value of diagnostic videothoracoscopy in patients with possible penetrating cardiac wounds. METHODS Thirteen patients admitted over a 4 year period with hemodynamic stability and a penetrating injury in cardiac proximity had exploratory videothoracoscopy. All data related to those patients were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS Eighty-five percent of patients had videothoracoscopy within 8 h of trauma. In most cases (eight of 13), operations were performed on patients in the supine position with the chest slightly rotated. Nine patients had a left hemothorax, five had pulmonary lacerations and five had a bleeding parietal vessel. Pericardial exploration was achieved either by direct vision (nine patients), or by the performance of a pericardial window (four patients). Acute hemopericardium related to a cardiac wound was diagnosed in two patients. Procedures included evacuation of clotted hemothorax (six patients), stapling of pulmonary laceration (four patients), and electrocoagulation of bleeding parietal vessel (four patients). Four patients required conversion to thoracotomy: two for repair of a cardiac wound, one for adequate exposure of the pericardium and one for ligation of a bleeding intercostal artery. The mean operative time was 37+/-23 min. Two patients experienced postoperative complications (coagulopathy, subcutaneous emphysema) and the in-hospital mortality was 0%. The mean hospital stay was 10+/-4 days. CONCLUSIONS In the hands of an experienced surgeon, videothoracoscopy may represent a valid alternative to subxiphoid pericardial window in patients with hemodynamic stability and a suspected cardiac wound. Videothoracoscopy can rule out a cardiac injury and allows for the performance of associated procedures such as diaphragm assessment/repair, evacuation of clotted hemothorax, hemostasis of parietal vessels or pulmonary laceration and removal of projectiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Pons
- Department of Thoracic and General Surgery, Percy Military Hospital, Clamart, France.
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Hyde JAJ, Walsh MS, Graham T. Conservative management of penetrating torso trauma. TRAUMA-ENGLAND 2000. [DOI: 10.1177/146040860000200303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Trauma has evolved as a specialty of its own over the past two decades, and has been the subject of much research and a huge number of trials, many of which are ongoing. As a result, it is now possible to apply an evidence-based practice to many trauma scenarios. The management of penetrating injuries to the chest or abdomen has traditionally followed a policy of emergency surgery as the first course of action. This has now shown to be unnecessary in many cases, particularly with the advances in diagnostic tests and imaging modalities. A large number of cases of penetrating torso trauma may require an operation at some stage, but obtaining the clearest diagnostic picture and optimizing the clinical condition of the patient before this undertaking will result in improved outcome. A selective approach to emergency surgery, with its attendant difficulties, is now recommended
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Abstract
The management of penetrating chest injuries has evolved significantly over the past few years, with an increasing emphasis on less invasive diagnostic and therapeutic modalities. Only 15% of patients need a therapeutic operative procedure. The challenge is to detect and treat these injuries rapidly while maximizing the use of noninvasive examinations and decreasing costs. The areas potentially at risk for injury include the heart, major vessels, thoracoabdomen, neck, spine, and aerodigestive tract. A review of injuries to these areas, including the use of new diagnostic modalities such as echocardiography and computed tomography (CT) scans, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- S D LeBlang
- Department of Radiology, University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital, Florida 33136, USA.
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May AK, Patterson MA, Rue LW, Schiller HJ, Rotondo MF, Schwab CW. Combined Blunt Cardiac and Pericardial Rupture: Review of the Literature and Report of a New Diagnostic Algorithm. Am Surg 1999. [DOI: 10.1177/000313489906500611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The spectrum of blunt cardiac injury varies from the asymptomatic cardiac concussion to the immediately fatal cardiac rupture. Although the majority of victims sustaining blunt cardiac rupture die before receiving medical attention, some survive to evaluation. The diagnosis of cardiac rupture, if established, typically results from the signs and symptoms of pericardial tamponade. However, some patients may have remarkably few signs and symptoms suggestive of cardiac injury and represent a significant diagnostic challenge. We provide two cases of cardiac rupture in which the diagnosis was delayed by the presence of an associated pericardial tear with decompression into the mediastinum and pleural space. In neither of the cases did existing institutional algorithms for blunt cardiac injury assist in establishing the diagnosis before the acute demise of the patient. The presence of a coexisting pericardial injury in these patients with blunt cardiac rupture obscured the diagnosis, leading to the deaths of these patients. A discussion of these two cases and review of the literature is provided with recommendations for diagnostic algorithms in patients sustaining blunt thoracic trauma with possible cardiac and pericardial injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Addison K. May
- Department of Surgery, Section of Trauma, Burns, and Surgical Critical Care, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Mark A. Patterson
- Department of Surgery, Section of Trauma, Burns, and Surgical Critical Care, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Loring W. Rue
- Department of Surgery, Section of Trauma, Burns, and Surgical Critical Care, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Henry J. Schiller
- Department of Surgery, State University of New York Health Sciences Center, Syracuse, New York
| | - Michael F. Rotondo
- Department of Surgery, Division of Traumatology and Surgical Critical Care, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - C. William Schwab
- Department of Surgery, Division of Traumatology and Surgical Critical Care, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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