Diagnosis, work-up and management of blunt cardiac injuries

Abstract

Blunt cardiac injury has a wide spectrum of clinical presentations, some of them quite severe. Its definition varies throughout the literature. The purpose of this review is to describe the epidemiology, screening, diagnosis and management of blunt cardiac injury. Blunt cardiac injury complicates up to 30% of severe blunt force trauma. It can be classified into electrical and structural abnormalities. Screening modalities include electrocardiogram and cardiac enzymes. Serial negative electrocardiograms and troponins can safely rule out blunt cardiac injury. A transthoracic echocardiogram should be performed if persistent dysrhythmia or hypotension. All dysrhythmias should be treated. Patients with structural abnormalities rarely survive. In conclusion, blunt cardiac injury is prevalent after significant blunt trauma. The appropriate screening modalities should be employed and any abnormality to be treated.