Myocardial contusion

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Myocardial contusion

Definition

Myocardial contusion is a "bruise" of the heart muscle, often caused by blunt trauma to the chest following falls, motor vehicle accidents, or cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR). This can cause abnormal heart movement and "stunning" of the affected area of heart muscle.

In non-severe cases, the affected area of heart muscle often regains its function without any permanent scarring.

Alternative Names

Blunt myocardial injury

Causes

The most common causes are falls from heights greater than 20 feet, motor vehicle accidents (usually the driver due to contact with the steering wheel), or during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Review Date: 4/13/2004
Reviewed By: John A. Daller, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Surgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas. Review Provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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