title: Transection of the inferior vena cava from blunt thoracic trauma: case reports.
abstract: Blunt thoracic trauma is a frequent cause of death in multiple trauma victims. Myocardial rupture may occur in up to 65% of patients who die with thoracic injuries. Two cases are presented with intrapericardial transection of the inferior vena cava, pericardial rupture, and myocardial rupture from blunt thoracic trauma. Both patients died.
authors.affiliation: Trauma Center, Presbyterian-University Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA.
authors.forename: A B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Peitzman
authors.forename: A O
authors.initials: AO
authors.lastname: Udekwu
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Pevec
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Albrink
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006335:Heart Injuries / Q000209:etiology*; D006352:Heart Ventricles / Q000293:injuries; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009104:Multiple Trauma; D012421:Rupture; D013898:Thoracic Injuries / Q000150:complications*; D014682:Vena Cava, Inferior / Q000293:injuries*; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000150:complications*