Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2003; 51(4): 228-230
DOI: 10.1055/s-2003-42258
Original Paper
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Herniation of the Heart into the Right Pleura Following Blunt Chest Trauma - An Unusual Presentation

V.  N.  Bapat1 , J.  C.  Roxburgh1
  • 1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, St. Thomas, hospital, London, UK
Further Information

Publication History

Received: February 16, 2003

Publication Date:
19 September 2003 (online)

Abstract

A 21-year-old male patient had sustained a blunt chest and abdominal trauma during a traffic accident. All the major injuries were on the left side. On the second day, a massive shift of the mediastinum to the right was noted. Further investigations raised the suspicion of herniation of the heart into the right pleural cavity. However, the patient's hemodynamic stability did not fit into the picture. Echocardiography and CT scan helped reinforce our suspicion. Herniation was confirmed at the operation, which was performed through median sternotomy. The patient recovered well without complications.

References

  • 1 Fasol R, Lowka K, Noldge G, Schlosser V. Traumatic herniation of the heart into the right pleura.  Thoracic Cardiovasc Surg. 1990;  38 379-380
  • 2 Wong P S. Traumatic herniation of the right heart into the right hemithorax.  Med J Malaysia. 1999;  54 523-525
  • 3 Fulda G, Rodriquez A, Turney S Z, Cowley R A. Blunt traumatic pericardial rupture: a ten year experience 1979 to 1989.  J Cardiovasc Surg. 1990;  31 525-530
  • 4 Freysz M, Fraisse J, Rombi H, Honnart D, Wilkening M. Traumatic rupture of pericardium with intermittent cardiac herniation in a multiple-trauma patient.  Acute Care. 1987;  13 181-182
  • 5 Watkins B M, Buckley D C. Delayed presentation of pericardial rupture with luxation of the heart following blunt trauma: a case report.  J Trauma. 1995;  38 368-369

Correspondence

Mr. Vinayak Bapat

Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, St. Thomas, hospital, London

4 Deauville Court

Eleanor Close

London, SE16 6PY

UK

Phone: +44/207/928 9292

Fax: +44/207/922 8005

Email: vnbapat@yahoo.com

    >