Amy M.  Kwok,David R.  Jeffcoach,James W.  Davis,Lawrence  Sue,Mary M.  Wolf,Sammy S.  Siada,Victor W.  McCray,
Dual chamber cardiac rupture following blunt thoracic trauma
Surgical Case Reports
2019
2613-5965
http://dx.doi.org/10.31487/j.SCR.2019.02.017
https://www.sciencerepository.org/dual-chamber-cardiac-rupture-following-blunt-thoracic-trauma_SR-SCR-2019-2-117 
Abstract: Introduction: Cardiac rupture following blunt thoracic trauma is rare. When diagnosed, these injuries have
a mortality rate approaching 90%. Although there are reports of dual chamber cardiac rupture, there are no
documented survivors from this injury.
Case Report: A fifty-year-old man presents after high speed motor vehicle crash. On arrival, he was
hypotensive with massive right hemothorax. He progressed to asystole but pulse was regained and he went
to the operating room. Upon right thoracotomy we encountered a right pericardial laceration and his incision
was converted to bilateral thoracotomy (clamshell). He was found to have both right and left atrial rupture.
Both injuries were rapidly repaired. The patient survived to discharge neurologically intact.
Discussion: Cardiac chamber rupture is rare and often fatal. Survival can occur with dual chamber rupture
if swift action is taken and all members of the team work together.Keywords: Blunt cardiac rupture,  thoracic trauma,  massive transfusion