Pericardial rupture following blunt chest trauma is rare and associated with high mortality rate ranging from 30% to 64%. We review 42 cases which have been reported in the literature in last 17 years and report a case of our own. We have found that 83% of the cases were men with a mean age of 49 years. The most frequent cause was traffic accidents (79%). Preoperative diagnosis of traumatic rupture of the pericardium has been improved in recent 17 years, and the result is satisfactory. Early detection, timely treatment is the key. Pneumopericardium may be a valuable radiographic clue for diagnosis. The management of pericardial rupture is mainly to avoid the risk of cardiac strangulation or acute tamponade. If the injury is recognized timely, treatment is simple and effective.
KeywordsTraumatic Rupture of the PericardiumDiagnosisManagement
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