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Eur J Pediatr Surg 2011; 21(06): 410-412
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1283153
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© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Intrapericardial Foreign Bodies in the Pediatric Trauma Population

F. B. Fike
1   Children’s Mercy Hospital, Surgery, Kansas City, United States
,
D. Juang
1   Children’s Mercy Hospital, Surgery, Kansas City, United States
,
O. J. Muensterer
2   Children’s Hospital of Alabama, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Pediatric Surgery, Birmingham, United States
,
J. E. O’Brien Jr
1   Children’s Mercy Hospital, Surgery, Kansas City, United States
,
D. J. Ostlie
3   Children’s Mercy Hospital, Department of Surgery, Center for Prospective Trials, Kansas City, United States
,
S. D. St Peter
3   Children’s Mercy Hospital, Department of Surgery, Center for Prospective Trials, Kansas City, United States
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History

Publication Date:
14 December 2011 (online)

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Introduction

Penetrating missile injury to the pericardium without myocardial injury or hemorrhage is rare and results in a foreign body within the pericardial sac. Reported cases have primarily involved the adult population and there is very little in the literature regarding children. As a result, we have little insight into the natural history of these foreign bodies and whether they require removal. We report our experience with intrapericardial foreign bodies in children and weigh the arguments for and against removal vs. observation.

 

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