Delayed Presentation of Blunt Traumatic Rupture of the Left Ventricle: Successful Surgical Repair

Blunt traumatic cardiac rupture is rare and is usually associated with a high mortality rate. A case of delayed cardiac rupture with survival is described in a woman who sustained blunt chest trauma during a motor vehicle accident. Preliminary investigations at the time of admission did not show any evidence of hemopericardium. The patient deteriorated suddenly 48 hours postinjury, due to a delayed left ventricular rupture which was successfully repaired. Reports of survival after this type of blunt cardiac injury are rare since survival rates are low. Early diagnosis is essential to optimize the patient’s’ opportunity for survival.