Delayed presentation of traumatic ventricular septal defect and mitral leaflet perforation.
A case of intracardiac stabbing is reported. The victim sustained injuries disproportionate to his initial presentation. These included a ventricular septal defect and mitral valve leaflet perforation. The need for immediate referral to a cardiothoracic unit and the importance of the use of echocardiography is stressed. This enables the safest and most appropriate management of potentially lethal injuries.
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, St Thomas' Hospital, London SE1 7EH, UK.
J A
JA
Vecht
M F
MF
Ibrahim
A O
AO
Chukwuemeka
P R
PR
James
G E
GE
Venn
D017548:Echocardiography, Transesophageal; D006335:Heart Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D006346:Heart Septum / Q000293:injuries; D006352:Heart Ventricles / Q000293:injuries; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008943:Mitral Valve / Q000293:injuries; D014951:Wounds, Stab / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*