Cardiac Injuries at Estonian Major Trauma Facilities: A 23-year Perspective

Area of Science:

• Trauma Surgery
• Cardiology
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• Cardiac injuries are a leading cause of death in trauma patients, often occurring pre-hospital.
• Limited research exists on cardiac trauma in Estonia.
• This study addresses the scarcity of data on cardiac trauma in Estonian major trauma facilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the characteristics and outcomes of cardiac injuries in Estonia over a 23-year period.
• To identify risk factors associated with mortality in cardiac trauma patients.
• To provide insights into the management and prognosis of cardiac trauma in a national context.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 37 patients with cardiac injuries (ICD-9: 861.0, 861.1; ICD-10: S.26) admitted between 1993 and 2016.
• Exclusion of cardiac contusions.
• Data collection included demographics, injury profile, and in-hospital outcomes (mortality, length of stay).

Main Results:

• The study included 37 patients (mean age 33.1 years, 92% male).
• Penetrating trauma (89%) was more common than blunt trauma (11%).
• Left ventricle (49%) was the most frequently injured chamber; overall mortality was 22%.

Conclusions:

• In-hospital mortality for cardiac injuries in Estonia was 22%, comparable to international reports.
• Risk factors for mortality included a Glasgow Coma Scale < 9, pre-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and alcohol intoxication.
• The findings highlight the severity of cardiac trauma and the importance of prompt management.