The Heart Under Pressure: Traumatic Gerbode Defect and Aortic Dissection After a Tire Explosion: A Case Report and...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Trauma Surgery
• Pediatric Medicine

Background:

• High-energy mechanisms, such as explosions, can cause severe, multi-system trauma.
• Cardiac injuries from blunt or penetrating trauma are well-documented, but specific mechanisms like tire explosions are rare.
• Pediatric cardiac trauma requires careful assessment due to anatomical and physiological differences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report an unusual case of pediatric cardiac trauma resulting from a high-pressure truck tire explosion.
• To describe the complex cardiac injuries sustained in this unique event.
• To highlight the successful management and outcomes of such rare cases.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 13-year-old male patient.
• Detailed review of diagnostic imaging and cardiac catheterization findings.
• Description of combined endovascular and surgical repair strategies.
• 1-year follow-up assessment of patient recovery.

Main Results:

• The patient sustained multiple cardiac injuries: ventricular septal defect, Gerbode defect, aortic dissection, and severe tricuspid regurgitation.
• Successful simultaneous endovascular and surgical repair was performed.
• The patient experienced a full recovery with no complications at the 1-year follow-up.

Conclusions:

• High-pressure tire explosions can cause devastating cardiac injuries in pediatric patients.
• Individualized and comprehensive management, including advanced repair techniques, is crucial for favorable outcomes.
• This case underscores the need for vigilance in evaluating pediatric trauma patients, even with uncommon injury mechanisms.