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Delayed cardiac tamponade following a stab wound: a case report
The Journal of the Arkansas Medical Society
|May 1, 1997
Summary
Penetrating trauma can lead to cardiac tamponade, a serious complication. This case highlights a delayed diagnosis of cardiac tamponade 21 days after an epigastric stab wound, even in initially stable patients.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Trauma Surgery
- Cardiology
Background:
- Penetrating trauma is common in urban emergency departments.
- Pericardial effusion with cardiac tamponade is a known complication of chest, back, or upper abdominal trauma.
- Delayed sequelae can occur even in initially stable patients.
Observation:
- A case of cardiac tamponade is presented.
- The diagnosis was made 21 days after a stab wound to the epigastrium.
- The patient was initially stable without signs of cardiac tamponade.
Findings:
- Delayed presentation of cardiac tamponade following penetrating abdominal trauma is possible.
- Even without initial symptoms, cardiac tamponade can develop later.
- Early recognition and monitoring are crucial for patients with penetrating trauma.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering delayed cardiac tamponade in patients with penetrating trauma, regardless of initial presentation.
- Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for delayed complications.
- Further research into the long-term monitoring of patients with penetrating trauma may be warranted.