Blunt cardiac trauma

Nonpenetrating trauma resulting in hemopericardium presenting as syncope

Hemopericardium is a life-threatening condition that needs to be treated promptly to prevent serious complications. It typically results from penetrating trauma directly into the pericardial sac resulting in cardiac tamponade and death if not promptly treated. High clinical suspicion should prompt further workup even in the absence of significant injury. We present a case of a 38-year-old man who presented with blunt force trauma from a rock while mowing the lawn that resulted in syncope and hemopericardium.