Occlusion of the right coronary artery after blunt thoracic trauma with fatal outcome: A case report and review of the literature

Hippokratia. 2013 Jul;17(3):274-6.

Abstract

Background: Although damage of the heart vessels is a possible complication of blunt thoracic trauma, occlusion of the right coronary artery is rare and demands high level of suspicion by the emergency physicians.

Objective: Our objective is to present a case of fatal acute occlusion of the right coronary artery after blunt thoracic trauma due to vehicle accident and conduct a brief review of the current literature.

Case report: A 58-year-old sustained chest trauma after a vehicle accident, complicated by acute occlusion of the right coronary artery. Despite invasive intervention the patient deteriorated and died due to multi-organ failure.

Conclusion: Acute occlusion of the right coronary artery is a rare complication of blunt chest trauma. Early diagnosis and intervention, collaboration between different specialties and proper hospitalization are vital for the outcome of the patient.

Keywords: Inferior wall myocardial infarction; chest injury; fatal outcome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports