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[Aortic pseudoaneurysm and acute myocardial infarct secondary to thoracic trauma]
V Castelo1, F Fernández, J R González-Juanatey
1Servicio de Cardiología y Unidad Coronaria, Hospital General de Galicia-Clínico Universitario, Santiago de Compostela, La Coruña.
Insights
Chest trauma can cause myocardial infarction and aortic pseudoaneurysm in men. Early echocardiography and hemodynamic evaluation are crucial for diagnosing these traumatic cardiovascular diseases.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Trauma Surgery
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Chest trauma is a significant cause of injury, but its association with cardiovascular complications like myocardial infarction and aortic pseudoaneurysm is less commonly emphasized.
- Previous ischemic heart disease is often a confounding factor in cardiovascular events, making cases without prior episodes particularly noteworthy.
Observation:
- Presents three male cases of traumatic cardiovascular disease following non-penetrating chest trauma.
- One case involved a rare combination of myocardial infarction and aortic pseudoaneurysm.
- Other cases presented with acute myocardial infarction or isolated aortic pseudoaneurysm.
Findings:
- Chest trauma can precipitate acute myocardial infarction and aortic pseudoaneurysm, even in individuals without prior ischemic heart disease.
- Diagnostic imaging, specifically transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography, plays a vital role in identifying these injuries.
- Hemodynamic evaluation is essential for managing patients with traumatic cardiovascular complications.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering cardiovascular injury in patients with chest trauma, irrespective of prior cardiac history.
- Emphasizes the diagnostic utility of echocardiography and hemodynamic assessment in managing traumatic cardiovascular disease.
- Suggests a need for increased awareness among clinicians regarding the potential for myocardial infarction and aortic pseudoaneurysm post-chest trauma.
Abstract:
Three cases of traumatic cardiovascular disease following chest trauma in males with no previous ischemic heart episodes are presented. One of them coursed with a combination of myocardial infarction and aortic pseudoaneurysm in an unusual location. The others coursed with and acute myocardial infarction and an aortic pseudoaneurysm, respectively. It is also underlined the utility of transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography as well as a routine hemodynamic evaluation in this kind of patients.