Review
Dissection of the left main coronary artery after blunt thoracic trauma: Case report and literature review
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* Corresponding author: Mollie M James molsjames@msn.com
1 University of Minnesota, Department of Critical Care and Acute Care Surgery, Minneapolis, MN, USA
2 Iowa Heart Center, Cardiothoracic Surgery Division, Des Moines, IA, USA
3 Mercy Medical Center, Department of Trauma Services, Des Moines, IA, USA
World Journal of Emergency Surgery 2010, 5:21 doi:10.1186/1749-7922-5-21
Published: 22 July 2010Abstract
Blunt chest trauma is commonly encountered by surgeons and is rarely associated with cardiac injuries. The incidence of cardiac injury is rare but can be rapidly fatal, requiring prompt recognition and treatment. We review the case of a 37 year-old male who was involved in a head-on motor vehicle collision at highway speed and was found to have an isolated left main coronary artery dissection. We then review the supporting literature for evaluation of blunt cardiac injuries and the treatment options for traumatic coronary dissection.