Left ventricular rupture as a consequence of blunt trauma – case report and literature review

Abstract

Left ventricular rupture is a form of blunt cardiac trauma that is less common than right ventricular rupture due to the anatomical arrangement of the heart. This case report details the successful surgical treatment of a 63-year-old male patient who suffered a left ventricular apex rupture due to a traffic accident. Despite the low survival rate associated with this condition, the patient recovered well following sternotomy to suture the rupture and evacuate blood from the pericardial sac. In addition, the patient also had a splenic rupture that was managed by general surgeons performing splenectomy. Follow-up echocardiography showed a small amount of fluid in the pericardial sac, and the patient was discharged in good condition with advice to take sotalol for atrial fibrillation. This rare case highlights the importance of prompt diagnosis and immediate surgical intervention for left ventricular rupture in traffic accidents, as it can lead to favourable patient outcomes.