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.
Vecht
J A
JA
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, St Thomas' Hospital, London SE1 7EH, UK.
Ibrahim
M F
MF
Chukwuemeka
A O
AO
James
P R
PR
Venn
G E
GE
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*