Can a Fractured Rib Cause Right Atrial Rupture After Blunt Chest Trauma?

Blunt cardiac trauma is rare but potentially fatal, especially when associated with cardiac chamber rupture. We report a case of a 53-year-old female who sustained right atrial rupture and pericardial tear following a motor vehicle collision. The patient presented with clinical signs of tamponade and was transferred urgently for surgical intervention. Emergency sternotomy, initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass, and right atrial repair led to full recovery. This case highlights the critical importance of rapid diagnosis and prompt surgical management in cases of cardiac trauma.

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Published in Preprints.org (preprint). The abstract is shown as published and remains the work of its authors; read the full article at the source.

doi.org/10.20944/preprints202609.2343.v1