BLUNT CHEST TRAUMA CAUSING DELAYED ATRIAL FIBRILLATION.

Abstract

Blunt Cardiac Injuries are injuries acquired due to blunt trauma to the heart. Minor ECG or cardiac enzyme abnormalities and arrhythmias are a subset of BCI, referred to as cardiac contusions. BCI is associated with signicant morbidity and mortality, and due to the absence of a denitive diagnostic test, is difcult to diagnose. Delayed presentation of arrhythmias beyond the initial 48 hours of trauma is rare.We present a case of an elderly female, who presented with atrial brillation ten days after sustaining a blunt chest trauma. She was managed in accordance with the AHA ACLS guidelines, but ultimately succumbed within an hour of Emergency stay. Elderly patients may require prolonged monitoring after blunt chest trauma.