Management of BB shot wounds to the heart.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to review our experience with BB shot injuries to the heart.


METHODS
This is a retrospective chart review.


METHODS
Three patients were found to have BB injuries to the heart. All patients were stable upon presentation. Echocardiography localized the BB pellets to the muscular septum.


RESULTS
All patients were treated with nonoperative therapy. There was not mortality. One patient developed an interventricular conduction delay that resolved before discharge.


CONCLUSIONS
Nonoperative management of stable patients who present with BB wounds to the heart is safe and effective if the BB is intramuscular. An echocardiogram should be used to localize the pellets and evaluate the pericardium.
Thompson
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Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA.
Block
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Mancini
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D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D006335:Heart Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014948:Wounds, Gunshot / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy