• Riccardo Scagliola, Sara Seitun, and Manrico Balbi.
• Division of Cardiology, Department of Emergency, Cardinal G. Massaia Hospital, Asti, Italy. Electronic address: risca88@live.it.
• Am J Emerg Med. 2022 Nov 1; 61: 152157152-157.

IntroductionAlbeit described since 1763, cardiac contusions is still an under-recognised clinical condition in the acute care setting. This evidence-based review aims to provide an overview of the topic by focusing on etiopathogenesis, classification and clinical presentation of patients with cardiac contusions, as well as on the diagnostic work-up and therapy options available for this subset population in the acute care setting.MethodsA targeted research strategy was performed using PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Central databases up to June 2022. The literature search was conducted using the following keywords (in Title and/or Abstract): ("cardiac" OR "heart" OR "myocardial") AND ("contusion"). All available high-quality resources written in English and containing information on epidemiology, etiopathogenesis, clinical findings, diagnosis and management of cardiac contusions were included in our research.ResultsBiochemical samples of cardiac troponins together with a 12‑lead ECG appear to be sufficient screening tools in hemodynamically stable subjects, while cardiac ultrasound provides a further diagnostic clue for patients with hemodynamic instability or those more likely to have a significant cardiac contusion.ConclusionsThe management of patients with suspected cardiac contusion remains a challenge in clinical practice. For this kind of patients a comprehensive diagnostic approach and a prompt emergency response are required, taking into consideration the degree of severity and clinical impairment of associated traumatic injuries.Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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