Cardiac Injury After All-Terrain Vehicle Accidents in 2 Children and a Review of the Literature

Pediatr Emerg Care. 2016 Jul;32(7):468-71. doi: 10.1097/PEC.0000000000000556.

Abstract

All-terrain vehicle (ATV) accidents leading to severe morbidity and mortality are common. At our institution, 2 children presented within weeks of each other after ATV accidents. Both children required cardiac valve surgery. The surgical management of these 2 children is discussed, and the literature is reviewed. On initial patient presentation, the diagnosis of a ruptured cardiac valve or ventricular septal defect (VSD) associated with these types of accidents is often delayed. We propose that patients presenting with evidence of high-energy blunt thoracic trauma after an ATV accident should undergo an electrocardiogram, cardiac enzyme assessment, and cardiac echocardiogram as part of the initial work-up to rule out significant myocardial injury.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Cardiopulmonary Bypass
  • Child
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Echocardiography
  • Electrocardiography
  • Heart Injuries / diagnosis*
  • Heart Injuries / etiology*
  • Heart Injuries / surgery
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mitral Valve / injuries
  • Mitral Valve / surgery
  • Off-Road Motor Vehicles*
  • Pacemaker, Artificial
  • Tricuspid Valve / injuries*
  • Tricuspid Valve / surgery

Substances

  • Biomarkers