Case Illustrations of the Utility of Echocardiography in Gunshot Wound Trauma

Abstract

Among trauma victims, cardiovascular injuries are the second most common cause of death after central nervous system injuries.1 Cardiac trauma is divided into two broad categories: nonpenetrating or blunt cardiac injuries and penetrating cardiac injuries. Blunt cardiac injuries are more common and occur due to motor vehicle accidents and crush injuries. Penetrating cardiac injuries are due to stabbing and gunshot wounds (GSWs) and carry higher mortality.1 In GSWs to chest or abdomen, a bullet can cause direct injury to the cardiac structures and result in tamponade, structural cardiac defects, or valve or aortic injury.