Atrial Fibrillation due to Blunt Cardiac Injury: Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: Blunt cardiac injury secondary to chest trauma is an important cause of emergency department admissions. It can range from asymptomatic myocardial contusion to significant dysrhythmia, acute heart failure, valvular injury, or cardiac rupture.

Case Report A 38-years-old patient was admitted to the emergency department with atrial fibrillation (AF) that occurred after a car accident. The patient had chest trauma caused by striking the steering wheel during the accident. The AF rhythm of the patient reverted to the normal sinus rhythm at the 3rd hour after trauma.

Conclusion: Emergency medicine professionals should keep in mind arrhythmias due to blunt chest trauma and take electrocardiograms of patients to be able to provide treatment in time.