Delayed posttraumatic tamponade.
Delayed cardiac tamponade is a rare phenomenon with two primary causes: delayed hemorrhage after an acute injury or delayed pericarditis with effusion. We present a case of cardiac tamponade 4 weeks after injury, with findings compatible with delayed hemorrhage and pericarditis. Our case emphasizes the need for follow-up of patients with penetrating chest trauma for several months after injury; echocardiography should be used if symptoms of tamponade appear.
Bellanger
D
D
Department of Surgery, University of South Alabama, Mobile, USA.
Nikas
D J
DJ
Freeman
J E
JE
Izenberg
S
S
D000328:Adult; D002305:Cardiac Tamponade / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D013898:Thoracic Injuries / Q000150:complications*; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014951:Wounds, Stab / Q000150:complications*