Citation

Mashayekhi K, Waheed A, Kennedy FR. Cureus 2021; 13(10): e19033.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, Curēus)

DOI

10.7759/cureus.19033

PMID

34853753

PMCID

PMC8608044

Abstract

Severe thoracic injury secondary to penetrating trauma requires prompt resources and rapid decision-making by trauma centers and teams. Implementing trauma systems has significantly impacted medical and critical care quality and outcomes, including managing rare trauma injuries. We describe a report of a rare case of a 21-year-old man with a gunshot wound to the chest with injuries to the right pulmonary hilum requiring pneumonectomy and to the left atrium with bullet embolism to the right common iliac artery. In addition, the systematic approach where each phase of the individual's treatment -- prehospital, emergency room, running room, and intensive care -- was positively affected by the implementation, development, and progressive maturation of a trauma system is also explained.

Language: en

Keywords

trauma; bullet embolism; chest wall trauma; high velocity; penetrating cardiac injury; pulmonary trauma