Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison	Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

	A	B	C	D	E	F	G	H	I	J	K	L	M	N	O	P	Q	R	S	T	U	V	W	X	Y	Z

Heart, section through the middle	Heart, front view

---

Overview	Symptoms	Treatment	Prevention

---

Myocardial contusion

Alternative Names

Blunt myocardial injury

Treatment

Treatment is usually supportive. Patients are watched for 24 hours with continuous ECG monitoring. Some may require pain medication for sternal pain.

Outlook (Prognosis)

The expectation is that a full recovery will occur.

Possible Complications

The main complication is that the bruising may lead to myocardial infarction (heart muscle death). This may lead to prolonged weakness in the ability of the heart to contract.

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.

_{The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.}