RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Myocardial contusion: emergency investigation and diagnosis JF Emergency Medicine Journal JO Emerg Med J FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and the British Association for Accident & Emergency Medicine SP 8 OP 10 DO 10.1136/emj.19.1.8 VO 19 IS 1 A1 P Kaye A1 ΔΊ O'Sullivan YR 2002 UL http://emj.bmj.com/content/19/1/8.abstract AB 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.