Trauma cardíaco: estudo de necropsias

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The vast majority of cardiac trauma victims die before receiving medical care. However, epidemiological studies are few about this injury, describing the patients whom treatment is provided. The objective of this study is to evaluate cardiac injuries victims' profile through the autopsy findings. METHODS: We have reviewed 1.976 external causes death cases, which were autopsied in the Campinas Medical Legal Institute, over a two-year period. The cases were assigned for two groups: I, penetrating trauma, and II, blunt trauma. RESULTS: Penetrating trauma was predominant (1.294 cases - 65.5%). Heart trauma was identified in 359 cases (18.2%), out of 296 in Group I and 63 in Group II. In Group I, 73.6% of the victims died at the scene and only 18 patients (6%) were admitted at hospital and submitted to thoracotomy. In Group II, surgical care was offered for two out of 14 patients (3.2% of blunt trauma) who were admitted with vital signs. The most affected heart chamber in Group I was the left ventricle (isolated injury in 24.6%) and in Group II the was the right ventricle (25%). CONCLUSION: We conclude that heart injuries are eminently fatal and only 5.6% of this victims who died received effective medical care.