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Updated: Mar 24, 2026
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Development of an Uncomplicated Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Model Modified by Weight-Drop Method and Evidenced by Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Published on: April 11, 2025
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Traumatic brain injury is not associated with significant myocardial dysfunction: an observational pilot study
Karim Serri1,2, Malak El Rayes3, Geneviève Giraldeau4
1Département de médecine, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, Service de soins intensifs, Université de Montréal, 5400, boul Gouin ouest, Montréal, H4J-1C5, Canada. karim.serri@umontreal.ca.
Summary
This study found no significant myocardial dysfunction in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Echocardiograms revealed preserved cardiac function, suggesting protective factors in TBI patients may prevent cardiac injury.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cardiology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Myocardial dysfunction is documented with neurological events like subarachnoid hemorrhage.
- Limited data exists on cardiac function following traumatic brain injury (TBI).
- No prior prospective studies have investigated the TBI-myocardial function association.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate cardiac function in TBI patients using echocardiography.
- To assess the prevalence of myocardial dysfunction in moderate to severe TBI.
- To investigate the relationship between TBI severity and cardiac performance.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational study of intensive care unit (ICU) patients.
- Included patients >16 years with moderate to severe TBI (Glasgow Coma Scale).
- Excluded patients with pre-existing heart disease or brain death; performed echocardiograms within 4 days of admission.
Main Results:
- 49 TBI patients (67% male, median age 34) were analyzed.
- 84% had severe TBI (median GCS 6), 90% required mechanical ventilation.
- No global left ventricular dysfunction (LVEF <50%); average LVEF was 65%. 8% showed regional wall motion abnormalities with preserved LVEF.
Conclusions:
- No clinically significant myocardial dysfunction was observed in moderate to severe TBI patients.
- Young age and lack of cardiovascular risk factors may protect TBI patients from catecholamine-induced myocardial injury.
- This study highlights preserved cardiac function in TBI patients, contrasting with other neurological conditions.
