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Journal of the American College of... Mar 2023Causes and precipitating factors of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in adolescents are poorly understood.
BACKGROUND
Causes and precipitating factors of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in adolescents are poorly understood.
OBJECTIVES
The authors sought to investigate the etiologies of SCD and their association with physical activity in a large cohort of adolescents.
METHODS
Between 1994 and June 2022, 7,675 cases of SCD were consecutively referred to our national cardiac pathology center; 756 (10%) were adolescents. All cases underwent detailed autopsy evaluation by expert cardiac pathologists. Clinical information was obtained from referring coroners.
RESULTS
A structurally normal heart, indicative of sudden arrhythmic death syndrome was the most common autopsy finding (n = 474; 63%). Myocardial diseases were detected in 163 cases (22%), including arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (n = 36; 5%), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (n = 31; 4%), idiopathic left ventricular hypertrophy (n = 31; 4%), and myocarditis (n = 30; 4%). Coronary artery anomalies were identified in 17 cases (2%). Decedents were competitive athletes in 128 cases (17%), and 159 decedents (21%) died during exercise. Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy was diagnosed in 8% of athletes compared with 4% of nonathletes (P = 0.05); coronary artery anomalies were significantly more common in athletes (9% vs 1%; P < 0.001), as well as commotio cordis (5% compared with 1% in nonathletes; P = 0.001). The 3 main comorbidities were asthma (n = 58; 8%), epilepsy (n = 44; 6%), and obesity (n = 40; 5%).
CONCLUSIONS
Sudden arrhythmic death syndrome and myocardial diseases are the most common conditions diagnosed at autopsy in adolescent victims of SCD. Among causes of SCD, arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, coronary artery anomalies, and commotio cordis are more common in young athletes than in similar age sedentary individuals.
Topics: Humans; Adolescent; Commotio Cordis; Death, Sudden, Cardiac; Athletes; Cardiomyopathies; United Kingdom; Coronary Artery Disease
PubMed: 36922085
DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2023.01.041 -
The American Surgeon Apr 2020In recent years, the incidence of blunt cardiac injury (BCI) has increased rapidly and is an important cause of death in trauma patients. This study aimed to explore... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
In recent years, the incidence of blunt cardiac injury (BCI) has increased rapidly and is an important cause of death in trauma patients. This study aimed to explore early diagnosis and therapy to increase survival. All patients with BCI during the past 15 years were analyzed retrospectively regarding the mechanism of injury, diagnostic and therapeutic methods, and outcome. The patients were divided into two groups according to the needs of their condition-nonoperative (Group A) and operative (Group B). Comparisons of the groups were performed. A total of 348 patients with BCI accounted for 18.3 per cent of 1903 patients with blunt thoracic injury. The main cause of injury was traffic accidents, with an incidence of 48.3 per cent. In Group A (n = 305), most patients sustained myocardial contusion, and the mortality was 6.9 per cent. In Group B (n = 43), including those with cardiac rupture and pericardial hernia, the mortality was 32.6 per cent. Comparisons of the groups regarding the shock rate and mortality were significant ( < 0.01). Deaths directly resulting from BCI in Group B were greater than those in Group A ( < 0.05). In all 348 patients, the mortality rate was 10.1 per cent. When facing a patient with blunt thoracic injury, a high index of suspicion for BCI must be maintained. To manage myocardial contusion, it is necessary to protect the heart, alleviate edema of the myocardium, and control arrhythmia with drugs. To deal with those requiring operation, early recognition and expeditious thoracotomy are essential.
Topics: Accidents, Traffic; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Arrhythmias, Cardiac; Cardiac Surgical Procedures; Echocardiography; Electrocardiography; Female; Heart; Heart Injuries; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Thoracic Injuries; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Wounds, Nonpenetrating; Young Adult
PubMed: 32391760
DOI: No ID Found -
Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery Mar 2022Traumatic asphyxia (TA) is a rarely reported disease characterized as thoraco-cervico-facial petechiae, facial edema and cyanosis, subconjunctival hemorrhage and...
BACKGROUND
Traumatic asphyxia (TA) is a rarely reported disease characterized as thoraco-cervico-facial petechiae, facial edema and cyanosis, subconjunctival hemorrhage and neurological symptoms. This study aimed to report 51 children of TA at the pediatric medical center of west China.
METHODS
Scanned medical reports were reviewed and specific variables as age, sex, cause of injury, clinical manifestations and associated injuries were analyzed using SPSS 25.0.
RESULTS
The average age of patients was 5.3 ± 2.9 (1.3-13.2) year-old. Thirty (58.8%) were boys and 21 (41.2%) were girls. Most TAs occurred during vehicle accident, object compression and stampede. All patients showed facial petechiae (100.0%, CI 93.0-100.0%), 25 (49.0%, CI 34.8-63.2%) out of 51 presented with facial edema, 29 (56.9%, CI 42.8-70.9%) presented with subconjunctival hemorrhage, including bilateral 27 and unilateral 2. Six patients had facial cyanosis (11.8%, CI 2.6-20.9%). Other symptoms were also presented as epileptic seizure, vomiting, incontinence, paraplegia, etc. The most frequent companion injury was pulmonary contusion (76.5%, CI 64.4-88.5%). Other companion injuries included mediastinal emphysema, fracture, cerebral contusion and hemorrhage, hypoxic-ischemic brain injury, abdominal organ contusion, mastoid hemorrhage, hematocele of paranasal sinuses, spinal cord injury, hepatic insufficiency, myocardial injury and retinal hemorrhage and edema. Treatment was mainly supportive. No death occurred in our study. The prognosis is rather good if without damage of central nervous system.
CONCLUSION
TA could bring out multiple symptoms, among which retinal hemorrhage and edema, spinal cord injury and viscera impairment have been less observed. Comprehensive physical and auxiliary examination should be performed considering TA. Its prognosis is rather good with focus on life-threatening complications.
Topics: Adolescent; Asphyxia; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Hemorrhage; Humans; Infant; Male; Prognosis; Retrospective Studies; Spinal Cord Injuries
PubMed: 35282839
DOI: 10.1186/s13019-022-01773-2 -
JACC. Clinical Electrophysiology Aug 2023
Topics: Humans; Commotio Cordis; Sports; Death, Sudden, Cardiac
PubMed: 37227354
DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2023.03.015 -
Veterinary Pathology May 2023
Topics: Animals; Commotio Cordis; Death, Sudden, Cardiac; Wounds, Nonpenetrating; Thoracic Injuries
PubMed: 36951122
DOI: 10.1177/03009858231162223 -
The American Journal of Emergency... Nov 2022Albeit described since 1763, cardiac contusions is still an under-recognised clinical condition in the acute care setting. This evidence-based review aims to provide an... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Albeit described since 1763, cardiac contusions is still an under-recognised clinical condition in the acute care setting. This evidence-based review aims to provide an overview of the topic by focusing on etiopathogenesis, classification and clinical presentation of patients with cardiac contusions, as well as on the diagnostic work-up and therapy options available for this subset population in the acute care setting.
METHODS
A targeted research strategy was performed using PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Central databases up to June 2022. The literature search was conducted using the following keywords (in Title and/or Abstract): ("cardiac" OR "heart" OR "myocardial") AND ("contusion"). All available high-quality resources written in English and containing information on epidemiology, etiopathogenesis, clinical findings, diagnosis and management of cardiac contusions were included in our research.
RESULTS
Biochemical samples of cardiac troponins together with a 12‑lead ECG appear to be sufficient screening tools in hemodynamically stable subjects, while cardiac ultrasound provides a further diagnostic clue for patients with hemodynamic instability or those more likely to have a significant cardiac contusion.
CONCLUSIONS
The management of patients with suspected cardiac contusion remains a challenge in clinical practice. For this kind of patients a comprehensive diagnostic approach and a prompt emergency response are required, taking into consideration the degree of severity and clinical impairment of associated traumatic injuries.
Topics: Humans; Wounds, Nonpenetrating; Myocardial Contusions; Contusions; Heart Injuries; Troponin
PubMed: 36116330
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2022.09.005 -
The Journal of Surgical Research Jan 2023Blunt thoracic injury (BTI) is one of the most common causes of trauma admission in the United States and is uncommonly associated with cardiac injuries. Blunt cardiac...
INTRODUCTION
Blunt thoracic injury (BTI) is one of the most common causes of trauma admission in the United States and is uncommonly associated with cardiac injuries. Blunt cardiac injury (BCI) after blunt thoracic trauma is infrequent but carries a substantial risk of morbidity and sudden mortality. Our study aims to identify predictors of concomitant cardiac contusion among BTI patients and the predictors of mortality among patients presenting with BCI on a national level.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We performed a 1-y (2017) analysis of the American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program. We included all adults (aged ≥ 18 y) with the diagnosis of BTI. We excluded patients who were transferred, had a penetrating mechanism of injury, and who were dead on arrival. Our primary outcomes were the independent predictors of concomitant cardiac contusions among BTI patients and the predictors of mortality among BCI patients. Our secondary outcome measures were in-hospital complications, differences in injury patterns, and injury severity between the survivors and nonsurvivors of BCI.
RESULTS
A total of 125,696 patients with BTI were identified, of which 2368 patients had BCI. Mean age was 52 ± 20 y, 67% were male, and median injury severity score was 14 [9-21]. The most common type of cardiac injury was cardiac contusion (43%). Age ≥ 65 y, higher 4-h packed red blood cell requirements, motor vehicle collision mechanism of injury, and concomitant thoracic injuries (hemothorax, flail chest, lung contusion, sternal fracture, diaphragmatic injury, and thoracic aortic injuries) were independently associated with concomitant cardiac contusion among BTI patients (P value < 0.05). Age ≥ 65 y, thoracic aortic injury, diaphragmatic injury, hemothorax, and a history of congestive heart failure were independently associated with mortality in BCI patients (P value < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Predictors of concomitant cardiac contusion among BTI patients and mortality among BCI patients were identified. Guidelines on the management of BCI should incorporate these predictors for timely identification of high-risk patients.
Topics: Adult; Male; Humans; United States; Middle Aged; Aged; Female; Hemothorax; Thoracic Injuries; Myocardial Contusions; Wounds, Nonpenetrating; Injury Severity Score; Heart Injuries; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 36108535
DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2022.07.047 -
The American Journal of Medicine May 2023
Topics: Humans; Commotio Cordis; Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation; Electric Countershock; Hospitals; Wounds, Nonpenetrating; Death, Sudden, Cardiac; Ventricular Fibrillation
PubMed: 36736646
DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2023.01.007 -
Anesthesia and Analgesia May 2023Cardiac injuries are rare but potentially life-threatening, with a significant proportion of victims dying before arrival at the hospital. The in-hospital mortality... (Review)
Review
Cardiac injuries are rare but potentially life-threatening, with a significant proportion of victims dying before arrival at the hospital. The in-hospital mortality among patients who arrive in-hospital alive also remains significantly high, despite major advancements in trauma care including the continuous updating of the Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) program. Stab and gunshot wounds due to assault or self-inflicted injuries are the common causes of penetrating cardiac injuries, while motor vehicular accidents and fall from height are attributable causes of blunt cardiac injury. Rapid transport of victim to trauma care facility, prompt recognition of cardiac trauma by clinical evaluation and focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST) examination, quick decision-making to perform emergency department thoracotomy, and/or shifting the patient expeditiously to the operating room for operative intervention with ongoing resuscitation are the key components for a successful outcome in cardiac injury victims with cardiac tamponade or exsanguinating hemorrhage. Blunt cardiac injury with arrhythmias, myocardial dysfunction, or cardiac failure may need continuous cardiac monitoring or anesthetic care for operative procedure of other associated injuries. This mandates a multidisciplinary approach working in concert with agreed local protocols and shared goals. An anesthesiologist has a pivotal role to play as a team leader or member in the trauma pathway of severely injured patients. They are not only involved in in-hospital care as a perioperative physician but also participate in the organizational aspects of prehospital trauma systems and training of prehospital care providers/paramedics. There is sparse literature available on the anesthetic management of cardiac injury (penetrating as well as blunt) patients. This narrative review discusses the comprehensive management of cardiac injury patients, focusing on the anesthetic concerns and is guided by our experience in managing cardiac injury cases at Jai Prakash Narayan Apex Trauma Center (JPNATC), All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. JPNATC is the only level 1 trauma center in north India, providing services to a population of approximately 30 million with around 9000 operations being performed annually.
Topics: Humans; Wounds, Gunshot; Wounds, Penetrating; Heart Injuries; Resuscitation; Myocardial Contusions; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 37058724
DOI: 10.1213/ANE.0000000000006380 -
Canadian Association of Radiologists... Aug 2020Traumatic cardiovascular injuries are only second to the central nervous system injuries as a cause of death in young adult population. Multidetector computed tomography... (Review)
Review
Traumatic cardiovascular injuries are only second to the central nervous system injuries as a cause of death in young adult population. Multidetector computed tomography is the gold standard diagnostic modality in patients with blunt or penetrating chest trauma and clinical suspicion of cardiac injury. The imaging spectrum of cardiac injuries includes but not limits to pericardial rupture, myocardial contusions, valve rupture, coronary artery injuries, cardiac herniations, and cardiac tamponade. In this review article, we discuss clinical presentation, types, and mechanism of cardiac trauma with emphasis on the imaging findings and illustrations in blunt, penetrating traumatic, and iatrogenic cardiac injuries.
Topics: Computed Tomography Angiography; Contrast Media; Coronary Angiography; Heart Injuries; Humans; Iatrogenic Disease; Multidetector Computed Tomography
PubMed: 32066272
DOI: 10.1177/0846537119899200