Delayed presentation of pericardial rupture with luxation of the heart following blunt trauma: a case report.
OBJECTIVE
To present an unusual case of delayed presentation of pericardial rupture with luxation of the heart 6 months after the initial injury.


METHODS
Diagnosis, outcome, associated injuries, and treatment are discussed.


METHODS
A high index of suspicion is required to make the diagnosis; no single diagnostic test can be used as a screening tool.


CONCLUSIONS
Once recognized, treatment of pericardial rupture is relatively simple.
Watkins
B M
BM
Department of Surgery, Good Samaritan Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio 45220, USA.
Buckley
D C
DC
Peschiera
J L
JL
D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D000328:Adult; D006335:Heart Injuries / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010496:Pericardium / Q000293:injuries; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000150:complications*