J Trauma
-
A rare case of arteriovenous fistula of the left internal mammary artery after blunt chest trauma is described. The patient was seen 3 weeks later because of a pulsating mass which varied in size, over the left midsternal area. ⋯ The fistula was ligated and excised followed by complete recovery. The literature is reviewed and differential diagnosis from congenital heart conditions, A-V shunts of other thoracic wall vessels, and vascular tumors is discussed.
-
A case of multiple cardiac injuries secondary to a single stab wound is described. The extent of the injury was not fully appreciated at the initial surgical intervention and typical clinical manifestations were delayed in appearance. Cardiac catheterization was necessary to confirm the correct diagnosis. After the correct diagnosis was made, surgical repair was successfully performed.
-
An appreciation of the causes of burn injury is essential in order to direct burn prevention programs. Toward this goal, 1,564 patients treated at the UCI Burn Center were studied. There were 699 patients admitted acutely and 865 outpatients. ⋯ Flammable liquids were responsible for the majority of the severe burns in the adult group (19% of acute admissions). Housefires, while accounting for only 5% of the adults treated, were responsible for 44% of the adult deaths. Continued public education in safety practices at home especially in the kitchen and bath, and with automobiles and outdoor stoves and fires is recommended, as well as planned escapes from homes and use of smoke detectors.