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Complete heart block and asystole following blunt cardiac trauma
Mohamed Morsy1, Nephertiti Efeovbokhan1, Sunil K Jha2
1Department of Cardiology, University of Tennessee Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA.
Insights
Blunt chest trauma can cause cardiac contusion and rare, complete heart block (CHB). This case highlights CHB leading to asystole, emphasizing the need for monitoring after chest trauma.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Trauma Medicine
Background:
- Cardiac contusion is a known complication of blunt chest trauma.
- Conduction system disorders, such as right bundle branch block, are common sequelae.
Observation:
- Complete heart block (CHB) is a rare complication of blunt cardiac trauma.
- This report details an 80-year-old woman who experienced CHB and asystole post-trauma.
Findings:
- While most CHB cases are transient, this instance progressed to asystole.
- Malignant cardiac arrhythmias can manifest following blunt cardiac trauma.
Implications:
- Prompt monitoring and intervention are crucial for patients with blunt cardiac trauma.
- Rarely, CHB can lead to life-threatening asystole, necessitating vigilant care.
Abstract:
Cardiac contusion is a well-recognized complication of blunt chest trauma. Various conduction system disorders have been reported in association with this condition, the most common being right bundle branch block. Complete heart block (CHB) is seen rarely. Most cases of CHB are transient. We present the case of an 80-year-old woman who developed CHB and asystole following blunt cardiac trauma. Malignant cardiac arrhythmias such as CHB can be associated with blunt cardiac trauma. In most cases, CHB is transient resolving in days to weeks. In rare cases, however, CHB leads to asystole. Close monitoring and prompt intervention is thus required.