Endovascular Removal of Pulmonary Artery Bullet Embolus: Case Report and Literature Review

The current state of the literature for a bullet embolization to the heart and/or pulmonary vasculature indicates the occurrence is rare but could increase due to the rise in civilian low-kinetic-energy firearm acquisition and use. We present the case of an older teenage male who sustained a gunshot wound to the left flank. The bullet entered the iliac vein, travelled through the heart and lodged in the pulmonary artery. Successful relocation of the bullet to the internal iliac vein was performed by the interventional radiologist. This article highlights the advancement of interventional radiology as a successful non-invasive endovascular technique for bullet embolus removal.

Urgent and emergent pediatric cardiovascular imaging

The need for urgent or emergent cardiovascular imaging in children is rare when compared to adults. Patients may present from the neonatal period up to adolescence, and may require imaging for both traumatic and non-traumatic causes. In children, coronary pathology is rarely the cause of an emergency unlike in adults where it is the main cause. Radiology, including chest radiography and computed tomography in conjunction with echocardiography, often plays the most important role in the acute management of these patients. Magnetic resonance imaging can occasionally be useful and may be suitable in more subacute cases. Radiologists' knowledge of how to manage and interpret these acute conditions including knowing which imaging technique to use is fundamental to appropriate care. In this review, we will concentrate on the most common cardiovascular emergencies in the thoracic region, including thoracic traumatic and non-traumatic emergencies and pulmonary vascular emergencies, as well as acute clinical disorders as a consequence of primary and postoperative congenital heart disease. This review will cover situations where cardiovascular imaging may be acutely needed, and not strictly emergencies only. Imaging recommendations will be discussed according to the different clinical presentations and underlying pathology.

Traumatic pericardial rupture with secondary cardiac herniation in a dog

OBJECTIVE

To describe the unique finding and treatment of a dog with cardiac herniation due to traumatic pericardial rupture.

CASE SUMMARY

A 6.5-year-old entire male Yorkshire Terrier was presented for further management after being hit by a car. Despite suspected significant intrathoracic trauma at that time, the patient regained hemodynamic stability and had orthopedic surgery to correct a right iliac fracture. The patient was readmitted to the hospital 12 days following the initial visit due to considerable respiratory difficulty after accidentally being dropped several feet. Thoracic radiographs revealed an unusual severe mediastinal shift to the left with an atypical position of the cardiac silhouette against the left lateral thoracic wall. Due to the severe respiratory compromise of the patient and newly developed pneumothorax, an exploratory thoracotomy was recommended, where a complete rupture of the pericardium was identified, with secondary left-sided prolapse of the heart. Other more common intrathoracic injuries (ie, lung perforation, rib fractures) were also identified and partially repaired. The patient recovered successfully and was discharged 4 days postoperatively.

NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED

This is the first case report in the veterinary literature of traumatic pericardial rupture and cardiac herniation. According to human case descriptions, this is a rare and often fatal occurrence, which can be significantly challenging to diagnose preoperatively or antemortem. Emergency veterinary clinicians should be aware of this rare but important complication of blunt thoracic trauma. Surgical intervention may be necessary in cases with suspected or confirmed entrapment of great vessels or cardiac chambers, although these abnormalities were not present in this case.

An Emergency Adaptation of Anterolateral and Clamshell Thoracotomy for Blunt Traumatic Right Atrial Rupture: A Case Report

The high mortality rate of blunt cardiac injuries is primarily due to the condition's severity and the challenges associated with pre-hospital survival. The absence of definitive diagnostic modalities necessitates prompt and adaptable surgical intervention. We present an 18-year-old male who sustained a right atrial blunt traumatic cardiac rupture following a motor vehicle collision. Despite initial stabilization with blood products and vasopressors and the necessitated emergent surgical exploration, the case required various surgical techniques, including anterolateral followed by an extension to a clamshell thoracotomy and laparotomy to manage the complex cardiac rupture and associated injuries. Furthermore, it underscores the critical nature of surgical incision in such patients and its impact on the overall prognosis. The successful outcome, highlighted by intraoperative decision-making and proper postoperative care, demonstrates that with timely and adaptable surgical approaches, even the most severe cases of traumatic blunt cardiac ruptures can be managed effectively.

The lifesaving effects of cardiac adhesions

Patients that incur myocardial disruption from penetrating cardiac injuries have an average 6%-10% expectancy rate of reaching the hospital alive. If prompt recognition on arrival is not immediate, the morbidity and mortality are significantly higher due to the secondary physiologic sequalae of either cardiogenic or hemorrhagic shock. Even after a triumphant arrival at a medical facility, out of that 6%-10%, half of those patients are not expected to survive. The unique significance of the presenting case breaks this tradition, expanding past the paradigms and issuing an exceptional understanding of the protective effects that cardiac surgery can futuristically cause through preformed adhesions. In our case, the cardiac adhesions achieved this by containing a penetrating cardiac injury that had caused complete ventricular disruption.

Traumatic intrapericardial diaphragmatic hernia

Traumatic intrapericardial diaphragmatic hernias are very rare; they occur when the central tendon of the diaphragm ruptures, allowing abdominal viscera to herniate into the pericardial sac, causing life-threatening cardiac tamponade. Computed tomography imaging with multiplanar reconstruction is useful in evaluating such cases.

Gunshot Wound to the Chest With Retained Epicardial Bullet

Gunshot wounds remain the most common cause of penetrating injuries in children and adolescents and the second leading cause of death among youth in the United States. Penetrating cardiac injuries carry a significantly increased mortality rate. The extent of damage caused depends on the type of firearm, the bullet used, the velocityand the trajectory. Therefore, rapid diagnosis and treatment is of the utmost importance. 

We report a case of a 19-year-old boy who presented to ouremergency department (ED) after sustaining a gunshot wound (GSW) to the right chest. In the ED, the patient was stabilized and a large hematoma was evacuated during a resuscitative thoracotomy. Further thoracotomy in the operating room was done with repairs of the penetrating injuries to the heart and lungs. No bullet was identified after careful inspection of the entire chest in the operating room. However, upon further postoperative imaging, a bullet was identified on chest X-ray and CT, lodged in the anterior aspect of the subepicardial right ventricular outflow tract. After a complicated hospital course, the patient was discharged by hospital day 30 in a stable condition with outpatient follow-up.

The decision to leave or retrieve a bullet should be made on a case-by-case basis depending on the clinical picture. In this case report, we have shown that leaving the bullet in place with close observation and appropriate imaging is feasible for selected patients.

Cardiac contusions in the acute care setting: Historical background, evaluation and management

INTRODUCTION

Albeit described since 1763, cardiac contusions is still an under-recognised clinical condition in the acute care setting. This evidence-based review aims to provide an overview of the topic by focusing on etiopathogenesis, classification and clinical presentation of patients with cardiac contusions, as well as on the diagnostic work-up and therapy options available for this subset population in the acute care setting.

METHODS

A targeted research strategy was performed using PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Central databases up to June 2022. The literature search was conducted using the following keywords (in Title and/or Abstract): ("cardiac" OR "heart" OR "myocardial") AND ("contusion"). All available high-quality resources written in English and containing information on epidemiology, etiopathogenesis, clinical findings, diagnosis and management of cardiac contusions were included in our research.

RESULTS

Biochemical samples of cardiac troponins together with a 12‑lead ECG appear to be sufficient screening tools in hemodynamically stable subjects, while cardiac ultrasound provides a further diagnostic clue for patients with hemodynamic instability or those more likely to have a significant cardiac contusion.

CONCLUSIONS

The management of patients with suspected cardiac contusion remains a challenge in clinical practice. For this kind of patients a comprehensive diagnostic approach and a prompt emergency response are required, taking into consideration the degree of severity and clinical impairment of associated traumatic injuries.

Chest Trauma Management in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Trauma is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide and disproportionately affects those in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Globally, two-thirds of injured patients sustain trauma to the thoracic cavity. Further research, capacity building, and increased awareness are needed to limit the high thoracic trauma-associated morbidity and mortality in LMICs.

Acute coronary syndrome on non-electrocardiogram-gated contrast-enhanced computed tomography

It is not rare for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients to present with symptoms that are atypical, rather than chest pain. It is sometimes difficult to achieve a definitive diagnosis of ACS for such patients who present with atypical symptoms, normal initial biomarkers of myocardial necrosis, and normal or nondiagnostic electrocardiograms (ECGs). Although cardiac CT allows for assessments of coronary artery stenosis as well as myocardial perfusion defect in patients with suspected ACS, it requires ECG gating and is usually performed with high-performance multislice CT for highly probable ACS patients. However, several recent reports have stated that ACS is detectable by myocardial perfusion defects even on routine non-ECG-gated contrast-enhanced CT. A growing number of contrast-enhanced CT scans are now being performed in emergency departments in search of pathologies responsible for a patient’s presenting symptoms. In order to avoid inappropriate management for this life-threatening event, clinicians should be aware that myocardial perfusion defect is more commonly detectable even on routine non-ECG-gated contrast-enhanced CT performed in search of other pathologies.

Hemopericardium in the acute clinical setting: Are we ready for a tailored management approach on the basis of MDCT findings?

The clinical spectrum of pericardial effusions varies from innocuous serous fluid to life-threatening hemopericardium. A misdiagnosis may be made by similar clinical presentation of acute chest pain/hypotension. Echocardiography is the first-line test for diagnosis of pericardial effusion and its etiology, but sometimes there are different drawbacks to the correct cardiovascular ultrasound diagnosis. Radiologists are reporting an increasing amount of thoracic Multidetector CT examinations at the emergency department. Multidetector CT has now become an established and complementary method for cardiac imaging, and diseases of the pericardium can now be quickly identified with increasing certainty. The aim of this review is to discuss the hemopericardium key Multidetector CT features in acute clinical setting which indicate the need to proceed with predominantly medical or surgical treatment, however, being able to identify forms of bleeding pericardial effusion for which only "a watch and wait strategy" and/or deferred treatment is indicated. In the emergency care setting, radiologists must be aware of different findings of hemopericardium in order to address a tailored and timely management approach.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Blunt Chest Trauma-Suspected Cardiac Injury

Blunt cardiac injuries range from myocardial concussion (commotio cordis) leading to fatal ventricular arrhythmias to myocardial contusion, cardiac chamber rupture, septal rupture, pericardial rupture, and valvular injuries. Blunt injuries account for one-fourth of the traumatic deaths in the United States. Chest radiography, transthoracic echocardiography, CT chest with and without contrast, and CT angiography are usually appropriate as the initial examination in patients with suspected blunt cardiac injury who are both hemodynamically stable and unstable. Transesophageal echocardiography and CT heart may be appropriate as examination in patients with suspected blunt cardiac injuries. This publication of blunt chest trauma-suspected cardiac injuries summarizes the literature and makes recommendations for imaging based on the available data and expert opinion. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

Bullet embolization to the heart: A rare and confounding penetrating cardiac injury case report

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Hemodynamically stable gunshot wound patients may be managed without retrieval of the bullet.

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Nearly 90% of patients with cardiac bullet emboli on initial presentation are hemodynamically stable.

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Non-operative management of stable patients includes intensive observation and additional imaging to localize the bullet.

Gunshot wounds to the cardiac region usually result in devastating injuries. However, if bullets embolize into the myocardium without significant damage to the organ, optimal evaluation and management remains unclear. We present the case of a hemodynamically stable gunshot wound patient who presented with a bullet to the heart. Sternotomy revealed that the bullet had embolized through the superior vena cava and embedded into the apex of the right ventricle. The patient was managed without retrieval of the bullet and continues to be well despite a retained intracardiac bullet. We discuss cases of bullet embolization to the heart and the emergence of minimally-invasive approaches for management.

State of the Art Imaging Review of Blunt and Penetrating Cardiac Trauma

Traumatic cardiovascular injuries are only second to the central nervous system injuries as a cause of death in young adult population. Multidetector computed tomography is the gold standard diagnostic modality in patients with blunt or penetrating chest trauma and clinical suspicion of cardiac injury. The imaging spectrum of cardiac injuries includes but not limits to pericardial rupture, myocardial contusions, valve rupture, coronary artery injuries, cardiac herniations, and cardiac tamponade. In this review article, we discuss clinical presentation, types, and mechanism of cardiac trauma with emphasis on the imaging findings and illustrations in blunt, penetrating traumatic, and iatrogenic cardiac injuries.

Diagnostic approach for myocardial contusion: a retrospective evaluation of patient data and review of the literature

Purpose

Myocardial contusion can be a life-threatening condition in patients who sustained blunt thoracic trauma. The diagnostic approach remains a subject of debate. The aim of this study was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of echocardiography, electrocardiography, troponins T and I (TnT and TnI), and creatine kinase muscle/brain (CK-MB) for identifying patients with a myocardial contusion following blunt thoracic trauma.

Methods

Sensitivity and specificity were first determined in a 10-year retrospective cohort study and second by a systematic literature review with meta-analysis.

Results

Of the 117 patients in the retrospective study, 44 (38%) were considered positive for myocardial contusion. Chest X-ray, chest CT scan, electrocardiograph, and echocardiography had poor sensitivity (< 15%) but good specificity (≥ 90%). Sensitivity to cardiac biomarkers measured at presentation ranged from 59% for TnT to 77% for hs-TnT, specificity ranged from 63% for CK-MB to 100% for TnT. The systematic literature review yielded 28 studies, with 14.5% out of 7242 patients reported as positive for myocardial contusion. The pooled sensitivity of electrocardiography, troponin I, and CK-MB was between 62 and 71%, versus only 45% for echocardiography and 38% for troponin T. The pooled specificity ranged from 63% for CK-MB to 85% for troponin T and 88% for echocardiography.

Conclusion

The best diagnostic approach for myocardial contusion is a combination of electrocardiography and measurement of cardiac biomarkers. If abnormalities are found, telemonitoring is necessary for the early detection of life-threatening arrhythmias. Chest X-ray and CT scan may show other thoracic injuries but provide no information on myocardial contusion.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00068-020-01305-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Imaging in trauma in limited-resource settings: A literature review

INTRODUCTION

Trauma is a leading health problem and cause of death throughout both the developed and the developing world. In Africa and South Africa in particular, trauma-related injury has an increased morbidity and mortality when compared to the rest of the world, with numbers approaching a staggering two to six times the global average. Rapid diagnosis is key when it comes to identification and treatment of traumatic injuries. In locations that are limited in finances, infrastructure, and resources, a stepwise approach to imaging in trauma can lead to decreased morbidity and mortality. Tailored recommendations for imaging trauma in resource-limited settings can lead to improved diagnostics and treatment and in turn, decrease mortality.

METHODS

A systematic literature review was conducted, using a compilation of English-language articles found on PubMed, EMBASE, Medline, and Cochrane Library searches relevant to imaging in trauma. A total of 31 journals articles, published from 1991 to 2017 were reviewed.

RESULTS

From the search, 26 original articles were selected and reviewed in detail, as well as an additional five original research articles.

DISCUSSION

As imaging continues to evolve, its importance in the role of diagnostic algorithms in trauma settings is important. In most settings, imaging is relied upon as an adjunct to the primary survey. In most developed settings, CT scan remains the mainstay for imaging in trauma, but in limited-resource settings, other imaging studies such as LODOX, X-ray, and especially ultrasound can play a large role. As ultrasound is directly related to user operation, data are limited and variable; more research as this field evolves will be beneficial.

Pericardial rupture and cardiac herniation in blunt trauma

Pericardial rupture in blunt trauma is rarely seen on computed tomography (CT) imaging due to its high initial mortality. We report a case of a 53-year-old man who presented to the Emergency Department in hemodynamic shock after intentional fall from height. Chest radiograph, which was taken in the trauma bay as a part of his primary survey, showed abnormal mediastinum contour with pneumopericardium. Pericardial rupture with cardiac herniation, and tamponade secondary to pneumopericardium, was diagnosed on trauma CT scan. The patient underwent emergent surgical management with thoracotomy to reduce the herniation and repair the pericardium. Immediate suspicion for pericardial and cardiac injury on the initial chest radiograph and rapid diagnosis on CT was indispensable for this patient's favorable outcome.

Tomographic aspects of penetrating thoracic trauma: injuries from firearms and other weapons

Objective

The aim of this study was to analyze the various computed tomography findings in penetrating chest trauma, as well as to determine the frequency and extent of the lesions.

Material and Methods

We studied the computed tomography findings from 40 cases of penetrating thoracic trauma, of which 35 (85.8%) were gunshot wounds and 5 (14.2%) were caused by another type of weapon.

Results

Pulmonary lesions were found in 39 cases (97.5%), manifesting as contusions in 34 cases (85%), atelectasis in 8 (20%), lacerations in 1 (2.5%) and hematomas in 1 (2.5%). Hemothorax was seen in 31 cases (77.5%), and pneumothorax was seen in 22 cases (55%). Mediastinal lesions were observed in 8 cases (20%), including mediastinal hematoma in 3 cases (7.5%), hemopericardium in 3 (7.5%), and pneumomediastinum in 2 (5%). Diaphragmatic rupture was seen in 2 cases (5%).

Conclusion

In patients with penetrating thoracic trauma, computed tomography of the chest is an important tool for characterizing the affected organs and evaluating the path of injury, as well as the severity and extent of the lesions. The images obtained are also useful in estimating the risk of death and determining the best therapeutic approach.

Cardiac injuries caused by trauma: Review and case reports

Assessment of suspected cardiac injuries in a trauma setting is a challenging and time-critical matter, with clinical and imaging findings having complementary roles in the formation of an accurate diagnosis. In this article, we review the supporting literature for the pathophysiology, classification and evaluation of cardiac injuries caused by trauma. We also describe 4 cardiac trauma patients seen at a tertiary referral hospital.

Overview of treatment related complications in malignant pleural mesothelioma

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive malignant neoplasm of the pleura related to asbestos exposure. Despite recent advances in therapy for MPM, the prognosis remains poor, with considerable treatment associated morbidity. Radiological assessment plays a central role in the timely identification and subsequent management of treatment related complications in MPM. This review highlights common and uncommon complications associated with and encountered in the post treatment phase.

Early detection of myocardial infarction following blunt chest trauma by computed tomography: a case report

Background

Blunt cardiac trauma encompasses a wide range of clinical entities, including myocardial contusion, cardiac rupture, valve avulsion, pericardial injuries, arrhythmia, and even myocardial infarction. Acute myocardial infarction due to coronary artery dissection after blunt chest trauma is rare and may be life threatening. Differential diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction from cardiac contusion at this setting is not easy.

Case presentation

Here we demonstrated a case of blunt chest trauma, with computed tomography detected myocardium enhancement defect early at emergency department. Under the impression of acute myocardial infarction, emergent coronary angiography revealed left anterior descending artery occlusion. Revascularization was performed and coronary artery dissection was found after thrombus aspiration. Finally, the patient survived after coronary stenting.

Conclusion

Perfusion defects of myocardium enhancement on CT after blunt chest trauma can be very helpful to suggest myocardial infarction and facilitate the decision making of emergent procedure. This valuable sign should not be missed during the initial interpretation.

Simultaneous "traumatic Gerbode" and aortic rupture due to blunt chest trauma

The Gerbode defect is characterized by a perimembranous ventricular septal defect between the left ventricle and the right atrium. This intracardiac shunt is a congenital defect but may be iatrogenic after valve surgery or atrioventricular node ablation, may be the result of endocarditis or may be traumatic. It is really rarely encountered as sequelae of non-penetrating heart trauma, and their clinical manifestations may often be unrecognized in the multi-injured patient. However, they are serious complications, and their diagnostic approach is not always feasible. We hereby present a case of a young man with the left ventricle to the right atrium communication after blunt thoracic trauma due to a car accident and concomitant rupture of the thoracic aorta. We present also the case and the ways of treatment according to the international bibliography.

Traumatic Cardiac Injury: Ventricular Perforation Caught on CT

Myocardial rupture is a rare imaging diagnosis given its clinical severity and high mortality. Early findings should be promptly communicated to the trauma service to ensure immediate intervention. We present a rare case of blowout perforation of the right ventricle which was prospectively diagnosed on computed tomography (CT) leading to emergent operative repair. The patient subsequently survived and was discharged after a lengthy hospital course.

Imaging in blunt cardiac injury: Computed tomographic findings in cardiac contusion and associated injuries

BACKGROUND

Blunt cardiac injury (BCI) may manifest as cardiac contusion or, more rarely, as pericardial or myocardial rupture. Computed tomography (CT) is performed in the vast majority of blunt trauma patients, but the imaging features of cardiac contusion are not well described.

PURPOSE

To evaluate CT findings and associated injuries in patients with clinically diagnosed BCI.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We identified 42 patients with blunt cardiac injury from our institution's electronic medical record. Clinical parameters, echocardiography results, and laboratory tests were recorded. Two blinded reviewers analyzed chest CTs performed in these patients for myocardial hypoenhancement and associated injuries.

RESULTS

CT findings of severe thoracic trauma are commonly present in patients with severe BCI; 82% of patients with ECG, cardiac enzyme, and echocardiographic evidence of BCI had abnormalities of the heart or pericardium on CT; 73% had anterior rib fractures, and 64% had pulmonary contusions. Sternal fractures were only seen in 36% of such patients. However, myocardial hypoenhancement on CT is poorly sensitive for those patients with cardiac contusion: 0% of right ventricular contusions and 22% of left ventricular contusions seen on echocardiography were identified on CT.

CONCLUSION

CT signs of severe thoracic trauma are frequently present in patients with severe BCI and should be regarded as indirect evidence of potential BCI. Direct CT findings of myocardial contusion, i.e. myocardial hypoenhancement, are poorly sensitive and should not be used as a screening tool. However, some left ventricular contusions can be seen on CT, and these patients could undergo echocardiography or cardiac MRI to evaluate for wall motion abnormalities.

[Imaging of blunt chest trauma]

CLINICAL/METHODOLOGICAL ISSUE

Blunt chest trauma is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Consequently, all patients should be evaluated radiologically after blunt chest trauma to allow timely and appropriate treatment.

STANDARD RADIOLOGICAL METHODS

Conventional chest radiographs and computed tomography (CT) are proven modalities with which to evaluate patients after blunt chest trauma.

METHODOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS

Over the last several years extended focused assessment with sonography for trauma (eFAST) has gained increasing importance for the initial assessment of seriously injured patients.

PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS

In the acute phase of severely injured patients eFAST examinations are helpful to exclude pneumothorax, hemothorax and hemopericardium. Chest radiographs may also be used to diagnose a pneumothorax or hemothorax; however, the sensitivity is limited and CT is the diagnostic modality of choice to evaluate severely injured patients.

Identification of Cardiac and Aortic Injuries in Trauma with Multi-detector Computed Tomography

Blunt and penetrating cardiovascular (CV) injuries are associated with a high morbidity and mortality. Rapid detection of these injuries in trauma is critical for patient survival. The advent of multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) has led to increased detection of CV injuries during rapid comprehensive scanning of stabilized major trauma patients. MDCT has the ability to acquire images with a higher temporal and spatial resolution, as well as the capability to create multiplanar reformats. This pictorial review illustrates several common and life-threatening traumatic CV injuries from a regional trauma center.

[Possibilities of videothoracoscopy for penetrating thoracic injuries]

It was analyzed the medical reports of 596 victims with thoracic injuries including 360 cases with following conventional therapeutic approach and 236 patients who underwent videothoracoscopy. We estimated condition severity in case of injuries of thoracic wall, lungs, pericardium and heart. Hemodynamic disorders were estimated according to Allgower-Burri shock index. Intrapleural bleeding was calculated using volume of hemothorax and time before injury and operation. Severity of physiological damages was determined using RTS criterion, anatomic--using ISS criterion. We estimated possibility for videothoracoscopy in patients with conventional therapeutic approach comparing severity of injuries, severity of condition in both groups and volume of surgery. Retrospective analysis revealed possibility of videothoracoscopy in 86.7% of victims with pulmonary injury, in 83.3% with bleeding at the muscular vessels of thoracic wall, in 40.3% with intercostal vessels injury, in 31.2% with heart injury, in 27.3% with damage of pericardium and in 18.8% with internal thoracic vessels injury. Our investigation revealed that videothoracoscopy may be used more widely in case of thoracic injury.

Penetrating Thoracic Injury

This article discusses the role of radiology in evaluating patients with penetrating injuries to the chest. Penetrating injuries to the chest encompass ballistic and nonballistic injuries and can involve superficial soft tissues of the chest wall, lungs and pleura, diaphragm, and mediastinum. The mechanism of injury in ballistic and nonballistic trauma and the impact the injury trajectory has on imaging evaluation of penetrating injuries to the chest are discussed. The article presents the broad spectrum of imaging findings a radiologist encounters with penetrating injuries to the chest, with emphasis on injuries to the lungs and pleura, diaphragm, and mediastinum.

Traumatic right atrial pseudoaneurysm

Pseudoaneurysm is defined as contained blood pooling due to rupture of vascular wall. They have higher risk of rupture and hence are usually managed aggressively. Trauma, infection and prior surgery are the most common etiologies for pseudoaneurysm of most sites. Traumatic cardiac pseudoaneurysm are rare and poses a diagnostic challenge to the treating physician since there is no specific symptoms associated with pseudoaneurysm and electrocardiogram; cardiac enzymes and echocardiogram may be unrevealing or inconclusive in many cases. Cross-sectional imaging [computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)] is done in cases with high index of suspicion and is the standard modality for diagnosis for cardiac pseudoaneurysm. We present a case of conservatively managed post-traumatic right atrial pseudoaneurysm with aim to highlight the role of electrocardiography (ECG)-gated multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in diagnosis and follow-up of this rare entity that ultimately underwent rapid partial thrombosis.

Combination of blunt cardiac and pericardial injury presenting a massive hemothorax without hemopericardium

Case

A 64-year-old man was injured after falling from a height of 5 m and was transported to our institution. On presentation, his hemodynamic state was unstable, and both focused assessment with sonography for trauma and enhanced computed tomography imaging revealed massive left pleural effusion, but no pericardial effusion. He went into cardiopulmonary arrest just before surgery, so an urgent left anterolateral thoracotomy followed by open chest cardiac massage and aortic clamping were carried out. By performing an additional right anterior thoracotomy, a left pleuropericardial laceration and a perforation measuring 1 cm in diameter at the left ventricle were found. The patient's dynamic state stabilized following the restoration of hemostasis by suturing the rupture site.

Outcome

The patient's postoperative course was favorable, and he was discharged after 20 days of hospitalization.

Conclusion

Blunt cardiac and pericardial injury rarely causes massive hemothorax with no hemopericardium, resulting in hemorrhagic shock.

Critical Care for the Patient With Multiple Trauma

Trauma remains the leading cause of death worldwide and the leading cause of death in those less than 44 years old in the United States. Admission to a verified trauma center has been shown to decrease mortality following a major injury. This decrease in mortality has been a direct result of improvements in the initial evaluation and resuscitation from injury as well as continued advances in critical care. As such, it is vital that intensive care practitioners be familiar with various types of injuries and their associated treatment strategies as well as their potential complications in order to minimize the morbidity and mortality frequently seen in this patient population.

Imaging assessment of gunshot wounds

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.