Traumatic rupture of the pericardium with dislocation of the heart

Isolated rupture of the parietal pericardium with herniation of the heart may occur following closed injury of the chest. Such a case is presented here. Clinical suspicion should be aroused by the presence of low cardiac output with localizing signs of cardiac displacement. X-ray films of the chest may reveal important clues and provide an indication for cardiac angiography, which may be diagnostic.