title: 'Rib betrays heart'--a case report.
abstract: Penetrating or stab injuries of the chest are not uncommon and could be accidental, suicidal or homicidal. However, the present case discusses the importance of a careful examination of an unusual presentation in a motor vehicle accident. The case presented with haemopericardium and haemothorax due to penetrating rib injury to the heart, subsequent to blunt force trauma on the posterior chest wall. This case is highlighted, so that it becomes a necessary tool for the forensic experts to have an unprejudiced approach at autopsy and come to a reasonable conclusion.
authors.affiliation: Dept. of Forensic Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Light House Hill Road, Mangalore, Karnataka 575001, India. bellisks@rediffmail.com
authors.forename: B Suresh Kumar
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Shetty
authors.forename: Y P Raghavendra
authors.initials: YP
authors.lastname: Babu
authors.forename: K S Muhammed
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Sameer
authors.forename: Preetham Raj
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Salian
authors.forename: Mahabalesh
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Shetty
authors.forename: Shahnavaz
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Manipady
authors.forename: K Pradyumna
authors.initials: KP
authors.lastname: Majumdar
mesh_terms: D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D001344:Autopsy; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006335:Heart Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D006491:Hemothorax / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010490:Pericardial Effusion / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D012272:Ribs / Q000293:injuries*; D014950:Wounds, Penetrating / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D055815:Young Adult