CHAPTER 97 POINT OF CARE ECHO IN PENETRATING CARDIAC INJURY

Emergency Department Echocardiography Improves Outcome in Penetrating Cardiac Injury

Plummer D, Brunette D, Asinger R, Ruiz E. Ann Emerg Med. 1992;21(6):709–712

BACKGROUND

Prior to the availability of ultrasonography in the ED, the diagnosis of penetrating cardiac injury was made clinically using physical examination and chest x-ray. This often led to delayed and missed diagnosis and resultant high mortality. To improve survival, which requires definitive operative repair, a more rapid and accurate diagnostic test was needed. In 1984 two-dimensional echocardiography, which allows for rapid assessment for pericardial fluid at the bedside, began to be used in EDs. At the time of this paper its impact was not yet known.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effect of immediate cardiac ultrasound (echo) on time to diagnosis, survival rate, and neurologic outcome in patients presenting to the ED with penetrating cardiac injury.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review at a large regional trauma center between 1980 and 1990.

Participants

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