Cardiac injuries caused by blunt chest trauma in children

Two illustrative cases with different features of cardiac injury caused by blunt chest trauma are described. The first patient had mild and obscure symptoms, detected on physical examination, and required observation only. The second patient had acute pericardial tamponade, necessitating surgical treatment. We present the different medical procedures that should be taken into consideration in management of such cases, although continuous monitoring, repeated physical examination, electrocardiograms, chest x-rays, and echocardiography proved sufficient in managing our two children. It is important that physicians who provide care to children suffering from blunt chest trauma have increased awareness of possible cardiac injuries.