A Unusual Case of Right Lung and Right Atrio-Inferiocaval Injury Caused by Stabbing

Abstract

Penetrating thoracic injuries can damage more than one intrathoracic structure and frequently require urgent surgical intervention due to life-threatening consequences. These injuries demand extreme awareness and emergency measures. This paper reports on an unusual case with right lung and right atrio-inferiocaval junction injury caused by a knife penetrating through the right paravertebral region of the thorax. The patient was treated by immediate surgical repair under partial cardiopulmonary bypass and discharged successfully. This case emphasizes the fact that right chest paravertebral penetrating injuries may require cardiopulmonary bypass, although this zone has less risk for cardiac injury.

Key words

Heart injuries - thoracic injuries - penetrating cardiac trauma

References

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