A shocking bike accident.

Abstract

CLINICAL INTRODUCTION: A man in his late 40s presented with severe chest pain and progressive dyspnoea after hitting a tree at high speed during a bike ride in the woods. On admission, the patient appeared agitated, pale and sweaty. Core temperature was 35.5°C, respiratory rate 35/min and blood pressure 90/50 mm Hg with a regular pulse at 110 beats/min. Physical examination revealed multiple sternal bruises, distended jugular veins and muffled heart sounds (figure 1A). Lactate level was 4.4 mmol/L (normal <2.0 mmol/L) and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T 0.142 mcg/L (normal <0.005 mcg/L). An ECG and a total body CT scan were performed (figure 1B,C).heartjnl;104/20/1706/F1F1F1Figure 1(A) Multiple sternal bruises. (B) ECG on admission. (C) Thoracic CT. QUESTION  WHAT IS THE MOST LIKELY DIAGNOSIS?: Inferior myocardial infarction with right ventricular involvement.Cardiac contusion with tamponade.Commotio cordis.Aortic laceration.