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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
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Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
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).
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