[A case of right ventricular rupture due to blunt trauma]

A 33-year-old male was involved in a single motor vehicle accident and was referred to our hospital 135 minutes after injury. He had a sign of cardiac tamponade and immediately pericardial window was performed at the emergency department, but hypotension went worse. We transferred him to the operating room, and a median sternotomy could be done after cardiopulmonary resuscitation. There was a 4 cm tear in the right ventricular outlet and that was repaired primarily. Cardiac rupture due to blunt trauma is highly lethal, and prompt diagnosis is necessary for a favorable outcome. A high index of suspicion, avoidance of unnecessary diagnostic studies, and immediate surgical intervention are critical for successful management.