Isolated Cardiac Tamponade After Blunt Trauma in A Child: A Case Report

Muniba Mehmood

Abstract

Hemopericardium secondary to blunt trauma can lead to cardiac tamponade which is a rare life-threatening condition. A 6-year-old girl presented with upper abdominal pain secondary to a fall of bricks on her. In ER on arrival, she had respiratory rate of 33 breaths per minute, and air entry was decreased in right lower zone of chest. Her heart rate was 145 beats per minute, and blood pressure 72/52 mmHg. The eFAST was positive for fluid present around the heart. An echocardiogram showed moderate pericardial effusion with no compression on ventricles. As the child remained hemodynamically stable so conservative treatment with closed monitoring in ICU continued. Repeat echocardiograms were done and the volume of effusion markedly decreased. Child was later discharged in stable condition.

Key words

Cardiac tamponade, Hemopericardium, Blunt trauma, Child.