The Heart Under Pressure: Traumatic Gerbode Defect and Aortic Dissection After a Tire Explosion: A Case Report and Literature Review

Pediatr Cardiol. 2026 Jun;47(5):2269-2275. doi: 10.1007/s00246-025-03998-z. Epub 2025 Sep 3.

Abstract

We report an unusual case of a 13-year-old boy who sustained multiple traumatic cardiac injuries-including ventricular septal and Gerbode defects, aortic dissection, and severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR)-following a high-pressure truck tire explosion. The patient underwent successful endovascular and surgical repair, with full recovery observed at the 1-year follow-up. This case highlights the importance of thorough evaluation and individualized management in pediatric patients with complex cardiac trauma resulting from uncommon high-energy mechanisms.

Keywords: Aortic dissection; Blunt cardiac trauma; Tire explosion; Traumatic Gerbode defect.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Aortic Dissection* / diagnosis
  • Aortic Dissection* / etiology
  • Aortic Dissection* / surgery
  • Blast Injuries* / complications
  • Blast Injuries* / diagnosis
  • Blast Injuries* / surgery
  • Echocardiography
  • Explosions*
  • Heart Injuries* / diagnosis
  • Heart Injuries* / etiology
  • Heart Injuries* / surgery
  • Heart Septal Defects, Ventricular* / diagnosis
  • Heart Septal Defects, Ventricular* / etiology
  • Heart Septal Defects, Ventricular* / surgery
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Tricuspid Valve Insufficiency / etiology
  • Tricuspid Valve Insufficiency / surgery