Open Journal of Thoracic Surgery

Volume 9, Issue 2 (June 2019)

ISSN Print: 2164-3059   ISSN Online: 2164-3067

Citations  

Blunt Traumatic Pericardial Rupture with Traumatic Amaurosis Fugax Presenting as Massive Haemothorax: A Conundrum?

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DOI: 10.4236/ojts.2019.92002    568 Downloads   1,246 Views  

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Blunt traumatic pericardial rupture (BTPR) or traumatic pericardiotomy is a rare typical trauma. It is usually discovered at autopsy. Surgical repair is mandatory especially if prompt diagnosis is made because of the associated high mortality. Clinical Case: We report the successful management and survival of BTPR patient after chest trauma presenting with massive haemothorax and transient loss of vision, necessitating urgent surgical treatment. The patient was involved in a road traffic accident having a head-on collision with the rear of the vehicle ahead whiles trying to overtake it. Discussion: It is usually discovered at autopsy or during emergent surgical exploration through either sternotomy or thoracotomy [1] due to its delayed diagnosis, unusual presentation, association with other major cardiopulmonary injuries and complications such as cardiac herniation, fatal arrhythmias, cardiogenic shock and cardiac arrest. Conclusion: Blunt traumatic pericardial rupture should be suspected in any patient in whom hemodynamic instability occurs rapidly after trauma without evidence of major bleeding. Prompt surgical exploration may yield excellent results.

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Okyere, I. , Brenu, S. and Okyere, P. (2019) Blunt Traumatic Pericardial Rupture with Traumatic Amaurosis Fugax Presenting as Massive Haemothorax: A Conundrum?. Open Journal of Thoracic Surgery, 9, 9-16. doi: 10.4236/ojts.2019.92002.

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