REVIEW

Myocardial contusion: emergency investigation and diagnosis

P Kaye, O'Sullivan

Emergency Department, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol, UK

Correspondence to:
Correspondence to:
Dr P Kaye, Emergency Department, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Marlborough Street, Bristol BS2 8HW, UK

Cardiac contusion is an infrequent but occasionally serious complication of deceleration injury. According to ATLS teaching, the true diagnosis of contusion can only be established by direct inspection of the myocardium. The clinically important sequelae of myocardial contusion are hypotension and arrhythmia. Despite recent advances in investigative techniques, myocardial trauma remains an important diagnostic and management challenge. This paper presents an evidence-based review of the topic.

Keywords: myocardial contusion

Abbreviations: RV, right ventricle; LV, left ventricle; TTE, transthoracic echo; CK, creatinine kinase; TOE, transoesophageal echocardiography

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