Citation

RuDusky BM. Angiology 2007; 58(5): 610-613.

Affiliation

Northeast Cardiovascular Clinic and Research Institute, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0003319707305687

PMID

18024946

Abstract

Myocardial injury caused by blunt chest trauma has been recognized with increased frequency over the past 2 decades. Increased awareness by physicians and the increased use of various clinical and laboratory diagnostic modalities have contributed to this recognition. Injuries range from inconsequential to catastrophic and can affect any or all areas of the heart: pericardium, myocardium, coronary arteries and veins, chordae, papillary muscles, valves, and great vessels. In addition to the medical importance of the diagnosis, substantial forensic implications have been known to arise. It is important to assess and classify properly the extent of the trauma and its prognostication as to the possibility of residual sequelae. A proposed classification is presented that has both medical and legal application. The uses of stages 0 (suspect), I (mild), II (moderate), III (severe), and IV (catastrophic) are illustrated in detail.

Language: en