Cardiac Trauma in Children

Although cardiac trauma is a rare in children, its consequences can be life threatening. Chest injury can be caused by a variety of mechanisms resulting in myocardial contusions, ventricular rupture, valve injuries, pericardial injuries, traumatic aortic dissections, or tears. This chapter reviews the etiology, presentation, and management of cardiac injuries in children, including commotio cordis, a potentially lethal ventricular arrhythmia caused by chest injury not associated with myocardial contusion.