Traumatic rupture of the pericardium with herniation of the heart.

Rupture of the pericardium following blunt trauma is a well recognised but rare occurrence. This case is presented to illustrate the plain radiographic and angiographic features, and to emphasize radiological signs which may lead to early recognition of this potentially lethal condition. A 51-year-old man was admitted to hospital on Friday, 13th August, 1982, after falling from a height of 60 feet. On admission he was conscious with a blood pressure of 130/100 and a pulse rate of 60 per minute. The only obvious injuries noted were a fracture dislocation of the right hip and a fracture of the right third rib. Shortly after admission, the patient became clinically shocked but improved following transfusion and went immediately to theatre for closed reduction of the right hip under anaesthesia.