RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Trauma-Induced Conduction Disturbances
JF Ochsner Journal
JO Ochsner J
FD O. P. Jindal Global University
SP 277
OP 279
DO 10.31486/toj.17.0116
VO 18
IS 3
A1 Mohamad Soud
A1 Abdulah Alrifai
A1 Amjad Kabach
A1 Zaher Fanari
A1 M. Chadi Alraies
YR 2018
UL http://www.ochsnerjournal.org/content/18/3/277.abstract
AB 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.