Management of asymptomatic intracardiac missiles using echocardiography

J Trauma. 1988 Sep;28(9):1402-3. doi: 10.1097/00005373-198809000-00019.

Abstract

A child sustained a low-velocity airgun pellet injury to the left ventricle. No cardiovascular compromise was produced. The foreign body was localized by two-dimensional echocardiography to the left ventricular chamber near the mitral valve, and subsequently removed through a left atriotomy incision. In asymptomatic patients, missiles clearly embedded within a chamber wall may be observed; all others should be removed. Two-dimensional echocardiography is recommended for localization.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Echocardiography*
  • Heart Injuries / etiology
  • Heart Injuries / surgery*
  • Heart Ventricles / injuries
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Radiography
  • Wounds, Gunshot / diagnostic imaging
  • Wounds, Gunshot / surgery*