TRAUMATIC HEART DISEASE: A CLINICAL STUDY OF 250 CASES OF NON-PENETRATING CHEST INJURIES AND THEIR RELATION TO CARDIAC DISABILITY

Abstract

250 cases of unselected, nonpenetrating chest injuries were studied from the cardiac standpoint and were followed up from 1-24 mos. All cases were ambulatory. They were divided into 2 groups; those who came for treatment of the injury and those who were admitted because of symptoms referable to the cardiovascular system subsequent to an injury to the chest. In the 1st group consisting of mild and recently injured cases, 7% showed cardiac damage. Nearly all recovered fully. In the 2d group consisting of more severe and older injuries and associated in many instances with pre-existing valvular or circulatory disease, 36% were found suffering from cardiac disability directly or indirectly related to injury. Myocardial contusions, anginal syndrome, arrhythmia, and heart block were the lesions encountered. Failure for establishing diagnosis of cardiac damage is attributed to failure to carefully examine the injured cardiologically. The difficulty in establishing causal relationship is stressed.