Atrioventricular Dissociation following Blunt Chest Trauma

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Salim Surani1, Karen Allen2, Cynthia Ocegueda-Pacheco3

  • 1Texas A&M University, Texas Corpus Christi, 1177 West Wheeler Avenue, Suite 1, Aransas Pass, TX 78336, USA.

Case Reports in Medicine
|May 7, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Blunt chest trauma can cause heart rhythm problems. This case shows temporary atrioventricular block resolved as a substernal hematoma decreased, highlighting a rare but treatable consequence of chest trauma.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Trauma Medicine
  • Emergency Medicine

Background:

  • Blunt chest trauma (BCT) is a frequent emergency department presentation.
  • Cardiac conduction abnormalities following BCT are infrequently reported.
  • These abnormalities can range from temporary to permanent conduction defects.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a rare case of temporary atrioventricular block secondary to blunt chest trauma.
  • To illustrate the potential for cardiac conduction abnormalities in BCT patients.
  • To highlight the resolution of conduction defects with hematoma management.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of a young woman with BCT from a horse kick.
  • Clinical presentation included substernal hematoma and atrioventricular block.
  • Management focused on supportive care and monitoring hematoma resolution.

Main Results:

  • The patient developed temporary atrioventricular block.
  • The atrioventricular block resolved completely.
  • Resolution correlated with the decrease in substernal hematoma size.

Conclusions:

  • Substernal hematoma from BCT can cause temporary cardiac conduction abnormalities.
  • Prompt diagnosis and supportive care are crucial for managing these rare complications.
  • Complete resolution of atrioventricular block is possible with hematoma management.

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