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Selected topic ECG commentary| Volume 5, ISSUE 3, P209-215, May 1987

ECG findings in nonpenetrating chest trauma: A review

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0736-4679(87)90180-6
ECG findings in nonpenetrating chest trauma: A review
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      Abstract

      Significant ECG findings frequently accompany blunt chest trauma. Surface ECG in conjunction with creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) isoenzyme assay, has been an accepted standard for diagnosis of posttraumatic cardiac dysfunction, or “cardiac contusion”. Studies employing recently developed noninvasive cardiac imaging techniques have called this practice into question and have shed new light on the pathophysiology of this clinical entity. As a result, it is appropriate to review the ECG manifestations of blunt chest trauma and to reappraise the utility of the ECG in its evaluation. This article will concern itself solely with nonpenetrating cardiac injuries not requiring initial surgical management, since clinical presentation, course, and prognosis differ when operative therapy is indicated.

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      Article info

      Publication history

      Accepted: November 9, 1986
      Received: October 28, 1986

      Identification

      DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/0736-4679(87)90180-6

      Copyright

      © 1987 Published by Elsevier Inc.

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