[Rupture of the pericardium caused by closed thoracic injuries]

Rupture of the pericardium due to closed thoracic trauma is a very rare event which is hard to diagnose. It occurs in the form of two main clinical pictures: 1) severe chest trauma with massive haematoma requiring surgery and which permits diagnosis, and 2) precordial pain and clinical signs of pericardiac origin. Surgery is essential in view of the risk of lethal complications from cardia luxation. Operation consists of closure of the pericardiac lesion.