P64 PERSISTENT ST–ELEVATION WITH HIGH MYOCARDIONECROSIS MARKERS: A CASE OF MYOCARDIAL CONTUSION

Abstract

Abstract Myocardial contusion (MC) is a note rare and potentially fatal complication of blunt chest trauma (BCT). The spectrum of manifestations of post–traumatic cardiac injury varies widely: from clinically silent injuries to severe reductions in cardiac function, myocardial hematomas, heart ruptures, and life–threatening arrhythmias1. There is no unique definition for this entity, and the diagnostic criteria proposed by different authors vary widely. Some authors define MC as a mild increase in cardiac biomarkers in the context of chest trauma, while for others the diagnosis requires evidence on imaging of pathologic findings2. Consequently, the true incidence of MC remains unknown, varying in reports between 8% and 71%3. We describe a case of cardiac contusion secondary to a low–energy trauma manifested as persistent ST elevation and pathologic elevation of myocardiocytosis markers, with consequent myocardial stunning of the right ventricular free wall. As there is no consensus regarding the correct diagnostic pathway, it is essential to integrate first–level pathologic examinations (ECG and laboratory diagnostics) with cardiac magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to define the presence of cardiac contusion and its extent, especially if the echocardiographic data are unconclusive.