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Myocardial contusion is a "bruise" of the heart muscle.
Alternative NamesBlunt myocardial injury
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsThe most common causes are:
- Auto-pedestrian accident injuries
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
- Falls from heights greater than 20 feet
- Motor vehicle accidents (usually due to the driver coming into contact with the steering wheel)
A severe myocardial contusion may lead to signs and symptoms of a heart attack.
Pain in the breastbone (sternum) or front of the ribs alerts the physician that there may have been an injury. There may also be a feeling that your heart is racing.
Other symptoms may include:
- Light-headedness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness
Physical exams may show:
- Bruises (contusions) or scrapes (abrasions) of the chest wall
- Crunching sensation when touching the skin (crepitus) if there are rib fractures and puncture of the lung
- Fast heartbeat
- Irregular heartbeat
- Low blood pressure
- Rapid or shallow breathing
- Tenderness to the touch
- Visible abnormal chest wall movement from rib fractures (flail segment)
Tests may include:
- Blood tests (cardiac enzymes, such as Troponin or CKMB)
- Chest x-ray
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), which records electrical conduction in the heart
- Echocardiogram, which records heart wall motion and valve function
These studies may detect:
- Abnormalities in the ability of the ventricle to contract (wall motion abnormalities)
- Fluid or blood in the thin sac surrounding the heart (pericardium)
- Rib fractures, lung or blood vessel injury
- Defect in the electrical system of the heart (bundle branch block or other heart block)
- Fast heart rhythm originating at the sinus node of the heart (sinus tachycardia)
- Ventricular dysrhythmia (abnormal heartbeats starting in the ventricles, or lower chambers of the heart)
Treatment is usually supportive. Patients are watched for 24 hours and continually monitored by ECG.
In the Emergency Department patients may receive:
- Catheter placement through a vein (IV)
- Medications for pain relief, heart rhythm disturbances, or low blood pressure
- Pacemaker
- Supplemental oxygen
- Various therapies for injuries, such as chest tube placement, drainage of blood from the pericardial sac, or surgery to repair ruptured blood vessels in the chest
Mild cases usually recover completely.
More serious injuries to the heart may result in damage to the heart muscles, putting the patient at risk for heart failure or heart rhythm disturbances.
PreventionBasic safety precautions are key to preventing myocardial contusion. Wear a seat belt when driving and purchase an automobile with air bags. When working at heights, take appropriate safety precautions.
ReferencesHamilton RS. Myocardial contusion. In: Rosen P, Barkin RM, Hayden Sr, Schaider JJ, Wolfe R, eds. Rosen and Barkin's 5-Minute Emergency Medicine Consult. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2007.
What else can I help you with?
What is a Different name for a bruise?
contusion
What is the ICD-9 code for contusion of the cheek and the forearm?
920 - contusion of face 923.10 - contusion of forearm
Are contusion and blunt trauma the same?
A contusion is a bruise. Blunt trauma would likely refer to how the contusion how the bruise was caused.
What do you call a bruise on the brain?
A bruise on the brain is called a contusion.
What is an osseous contusion?
Osseous means bony and contusion means bruise.
What is the difference between concossion and contusion?
A contusion is a bruise, and a concussion is a bruise of the brain.
Is a contusion is a bruise or hemorrhage with a break in the skin?
A contusion is a bruise or hemorrhage without a break in the skin.
Where is cardiac contusion found on the heart?
Since a contusion is a bruise, it would be located at the point of impact.
How can one hide a contusion using makeup?
You can use a concealer to hide the contusion. Pat the skin with the contusion with the concealer and gently blend in the concealer with the surrounding skin to hide the bruise.
What is the Suffix of contusion?
The suffix of the word "contusion" is "-sion." This suffix typically indicates a state or condition, often derived from a verb. In this case, "contusion" refers to the condition of being bruised.
How is a liver contusion diagnosed?
What is the question? A 'contusion" is the technical/medical term for a bruise.
How do you cure contusion?
A contusion is a bruise. You don't need to do anything to make it heal. The body does that work on its own.
