An unusual presentation of chest pain: needle perforation of the right ventricle

Heart Lung. 2013 May-Jun;42(3):218-20. doi: 10.1016/j.hrtlng.2013.02.002. Epub 2013 Mar 28.

Abstract

Foreign bodies in the heart are a rare occurrence and can result from intravenous drug abuse, trauma or iatrogenic causes. There are no current guidelines for the treatment of a cardiac foreign body. We hereby present a brief review of the available literature and report a case of a woman with chest pain subsequently complicated by cardiogenic shock due to tamponade secondary to a needle fragment perforating her right ventricular free wall.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Chest Pain / diagnosis
  • Chest Pain / etiology*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Echocardiography
  • Female
  • Foreign Bodies / complications*
  • Foreign Bodies / diagnosis
  • Heart Injuries / complications*
  • Heart Injuries / diagnosis
  • Heart Ventricles / injuries*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Needlestick Injuries / complications*
  • Needlestick Injuries / diagnosis
  • Radiography, Thoracic