Diagnosis and management of blunt cardiac injury: What you need to know

ABSTRACT: Blunt cardiac injury (BCI) encompasses a wide spectrum, from occult and inconsequential contusion to rapidly fatal cardiac rupture. A small percentage of patients present with abnormal electrocardiogram or shock, but most are initially asymptomatic. The potential for sudden dysrhythmia or cardiac pump failure mandates consideration of the presence of BCI, including appropriate monitoring and management. In this review, we will present what you need to know to diagnose and manage BCI.