ABSTRACT 545

Abstract

Background and aims: Thoracic trauma and trauma brain injury are most common cause of mortality in pediatric trauma. Aims: Cardiac injury is rare and it is associated with a mortality of 75% of cases. The washing tank is device used in developing countries for clothes washing, it weighs about 50 kilograms and is usually fixed on the houses walls. Methods: A 4-year-old male was referred to the PICU of our University Hospital after 24 hs of thoracic blunt trauma secondary to fall of a washing clothes tank. He was admitted in hypodynamic shock with signs of hypoperfusion, and low cardiac output, intubated and receiving vasoactive drugs. The chest radiography showed pulmonary contusion and right hemopneumothorax which was drained. In addition, he presented important mediastinal widening and increased heart area. Echocardiography: moderate pericardial effusion. Absence of signs of cardiac tamponade and collapse of the right cardiac cavities, mainly right ventricle. Results: The child was underwent emergency heart surgery when was opening pericardial window and mediastinal drainage was performed. After 7 days of PICU stay and after 8 days of the blunt trauma the thoracic mediastinal drain was removed and the child was extubated and maintained with NIV initially and.after 30 % Venturi mask.FigureConclusions: Accidents with tanks have still been a major cause of morbidity and mortality in our country. Accident prevention involves lighter devices, more secure attachment and guidance to caregivers about child safety to prevent accidents in the home.