Types of blunt cardiac injuries that occurred:
(1) pericardial tears (most common)
(2) epicardial hematoma following epicardial tear near the junction of the inferior vena cava and right atrium
(3) transmural tear in the right atrium
(4) transmural tear in the left atrium
(5) endocardial tears in the atria
(6) transmural tears of the right ventricle
(7) transmural left ventricular tears
(8) rupture of the right coronary artery
(9) rupture of a papillary muscle
Cardiac injuries were not found with falls <= 6 meters. The risk of cardiac injury increased with the height fallen above 6 feet, with very severe injuries occurring with falls > 25 meters.
Risk factors for blunt cardiac injury:
(1) fall from height > 6 meters
(2) sternal fracture, especially if multiple
(3) abnormal cardiac examination
(4) abnormal ECG
Other frequent findings:
(1) head trauma
(2) multiple trauma to bones, lungs, abdominal viscera, and blood vessels
A patient with one or more risk factors for cardiac injury should be triaged to a center capable of performing cardiopulmonary bypass. A thorough cardiologic examination should be performed with explorative thoracotomy considered if abnormalities are found or severe cardiac injuries are suspected.
