Trauma-Induced Conduction Disturbances.
Citation: Ochsner Journal. 18(3):277-279, 2018.PMID: 30275796Institution: MedStar Washington Hospital CenterDepartment: Medicine/Internal MedicineForm of publication: Journal ArticleMedline article type(s): Journal ArticleSubject headings: IN PROCESS -- NOT YET INDEXEDYear: 2018ISSN:- 1524-5012
Item type | Current library | Collection | Call number | Status | Date due | Barcode |
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Journal Article | MedStar Authors Catalog | Article | 30275796 | Available | 30275796 |
Background: Electrical disturbances following blunt cardiac injuries are rare but can be caused by electrical or structural damage to the heart. We present the case of a patient who had conduction abnormalities following blunt traumatic injury that were incidentally detected on telemetry.
Case Report: A 64-year-old female with no history of cardiac disease was brought to the emergency department after a motor vehicle collision that resulted in chest wall bruising. The patient was found to have L-spine fractures and was admitted for observation. During her hospitalization, the patient had multiple episodes of heart block. A temporary pacemaker was inserted because of the recurrent episodes, and a dual-chamber permanent pacemaker was placed on day 4 of her hospitalization.
Conclusion: Heart block as a consequence of blunt cardiac injury is rare; however, it needs to be recognized as early as possible. Permanent pacemaker placement is usually indicated for patients with prolonged or recurrent episodes.
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