title: The use of inotropic drugs in myocardial contusion: 2 case reports.
abstract: Myocardial contusion is a common complication of blunt chest injury. Severe heart failure and shock may result. The haemodynamic consequences of myocardial contusion in two patients are described; both received inotropic agents. In the first patient dobutamine was successful in improving myocardial function; dopamine had similar effects on the heart. In the second patient dopamine, preferred for its renal effects, produced a short-term improvement in myocardial function. The rational use of pharmacological agents in this condition demands precise understanding of the underlying haemodynamic disturbances.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002316:Cardiotonic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002395:Catecholamines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003288:Contusions / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004280:Dobutamine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004298:Dopamine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006335:Heart Injuries / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male
chemical_list: D002316:Cardiotonic Agents; D002395:Catecholamines; D004280:Dobutamine; D004298:Dopamine