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Updated: Aug 14, 2026
07:41
Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure
Published on: February 8, 2022
Delayed presentation of traumatic ventricular septal defect and mitral leaflet perforation
J A Vecht1, M F Ibrahim, A O Chukwuemeka
1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, St Thomas' Hospital, London SE1 7EH, UK.
Emergency Medicine Journal : EMJ
|June 29, 2005
Summary
Intracardiac stabbing caused severe heart injuries, including a ventricular septal defect and mitral valve perforation. Prompt cardiothoracic referral and echocardiography are crucial for managing these life-threatening chest trauma cases.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Trauma Surgery
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Intracardiac stabbing is a rare and severe form of penetrating chest trauma.
- Patients may present with seemingly minor external injuries despite significant internal cardiac damage.
Observation:
- A case involving a victim of intracardiac stabbing is presented.
- The victim exhibited injuries disproportionate to the initial clinical presentation.
- Specific injuries included a ventricular septal defect and perforation of a mitral valve leaflet.
Findings:
- Echocardiography is vital for diagnosing the extent of intracardiac injuries.
- Ventricular septal defects and valve perforations represent critical cardiac damage.
- Immediate transfer to a cardiothoracic unit is essential for optimal patient outcomes.
Implications:
- Early and accurate diagnosis via echocardiography is critical for managing lethal cardiac injuries.
- Specialized cardiothoracic care is necessary for survival and recovery.
- This case highlights the importance of considering severe cardiac trauma in penetrating chest injuries.
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