Cases from the aerospace medicine residents' teaching file. Penetrating chest trauma from a home accident: rapid response saves a pilot.
Penetrating cardiac chest trauma can be associated with a high degree of mortality. Prognostic factors that favor a high survival rate include OR thoracotomy vs. ER thoracotomy, prompt resuscitation, fast transport, urgent diagnostic study, and immediate surgery. Cardiac tamponade, in some cases, may lessen the amount of hemorrhage. Reported is a case of penetrating cardiac trauma in an aviator. With a high degree of suspicion and rapid transport, early intervention was possible resulting in a favorable outcome. The patient, a United State Marine Corps Harrier pilot, returned to flight status with a waiver.
Naval Hospital, Department of Aerospace Medicine, Cherry Point, NC, USA.
Jonathan L
JL
Bingham
D000328:Adult; D001359:Aviation; D006335:Heart Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel; D013898:Thoracic Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D014950:Wounds, Penetrating / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery