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Delayed hemopericardium due to trivial chest trauma
1Pediatric Surgery Department, Uludag University, Faculty of Medicine, Bursa, Turkey.
Cardiology in the Young
|September 10, 1998
Summary
Two boys experienced hemopericardium after minor falls. Prompt surgical drainage led to successful recovery, highlighting a link between mild trauma and this rare condition in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Trauma Surgery
Background:
- Hemopericardium is a rare condition, especially in children without significant trauma.
- Identifying non-traumatic causes is crucial for appropriate management.
Observation:
- Two pediatric cases of hemopericardium are presented: a 7-month-old and a 12-year-old boy.
- Both boys had recent minor trauma (fall from bed, fall from chair) preceding symptom onset.
- Coagulation tests were within normal limits for both patients.
Findings:
- Pericardiotomy successfully drained significant blood volumes (120 ml and 1200 ml).
- Both patients demonstrated complete recovery and remained well during extended follow-up (24 and 18 months).
Implications:
- Minor trauma can precipitate hemopericardium in children, even with normal coagulation.
- Surgical pericardiotomy is an effective treatment for pediatric hemopericardium.
- This case series emphasizes the importance of considering hemopericardium in pediatric patients with chest trauma and effusion.