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Objective evaluation of blunt cardiac trauma
The Journal of Trauma
|June 1, 1986
Summary
Blunt trauma can cause cardiac injury, identified by creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB) and echocardiography. Differentiating cardiac concussion from contusion aids in developing effective acute management protocols for trauma patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Trauma Surgery
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Blunt chest trauma poses a risk of cardiac injury.
- Accurate assessment is crucial for timely management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of serum creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB) and two-dimensional echocardiography (2-DE) in diagnosing cardiac injury after blunt trauma.
- To differentiate between cardiac concussion and cardiac contusion.
- To establish a management protocol based on diagnosis.
Main Methods:
- Serum CK-MB screening and 2-DE were performed on 291 blunt trauma victims.
- Patients were categorized into cardiac concussion (normal 2-DE) or cardiac contusion (abnormal 2-DE).
- Cardiac arrhythmias were monitored within 72 hours post-injury.
Main Results:
- 20% (58/291) of patients showed elevated CK-MB within 24 hours.
- 60% of these had cardiac concussion, and 40% had cardiac contusion.
- Cardiac contusion patients exhibited significantly higher rates of arrhythmias (39% vs 3%).
Conclusions:
- CK-MB screening and 2-DE effectively identify cardiac injury in blunt trauma.
- Distinguishing between concussion and contusion is vital for patient management.
- This diagnostic approach facilitates the development of targeted treatment strategies.