Snapshot A 30-year-old man presents after a motor vehicle collision to the emergency room. Although he is conscious and responsive, he reports severe chest pain. His blood pressure is 83/55 mmHg, pulse is 120/min, and respirations are 24/min. On physical exam, he has extensive ecchymosis over his anterior chest wall. He has jugular venous distention and muffled heart sounds. An electrocardiogram reveals diffused ST elevations and sinus tachycardia. A focused assessment with sonography in trauma (FAST) exam reveals pericardial fluid. Introduction Clinical definition login to view 1 more bullet Associated conditions login to view 1 more bullet Epidemiology Location login to view 3 more bullets Risk factors login to view 2 more bullets Etiology Myocardial contusion Arrhythmias Injury to valves or vessels Cardiac rupture Sudden cardiac arrest from sternal blow Pathogenesis login to view 1 more bullet Presentation Symptoms login to view 4 more bullets Physical exam login to view 11 more bullets Imaging Focused assessment with sonography in trauma (FAST) exam login to view 6 more bullets Chest radiography login to view 5 more bullets Echocardiography login to view 5 more bullets Studies Labs login to view 2 more bullets Electrocardiogram (ECG) login to view 8 more bullets Differential Myocardial infarction-induced cardiogenic shock login to view 2 more bullets DIAGNOSIS Making the diagnosis login to view 1 more bullet Treatment Management approach login to view 2 more bullets Medical login to view 6 more bullets Operative login to view 3 more bullets Complications Heart failure Emboli Cardiopulmonary arrest Prognosis Survival depends on etiology of blunt cardiac trauma login to view 1 more bullet