Acute myocardial infarction related to blunt thoracic trauma

Abstract

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a rare, potentially fatal and often unrecognized complication of blunt thoracic trauma (BTT). Heart injury is diagnosed in less than 10% of all cases of blunt thoracic trauma. Medical literature is scarce in publications about AMI caused by BTT (AMI-BTT). There is no specific protocol on this issue. We describe two cases of AMI-BTT in young patients who were previously healthy and with no risk factors for coronary artery disease. The diagnostic tools and therapeutic approach are discussed based on a literature review. We conclude that the emergency physician should be alert for the possibility of AMI in victims of BTT, regardless of the intensity of the trauma.