CARDIAC RUPTURE DUE TO BLUNT TRAUMA

Cardiac rupture due to blunt trauma has been recognized with increasin g frequency over the past two decades, The mortality rate is high and the majority of patients die before they arrive at the emergency depar tment, A high index of suspicion and prompt surgical intervention are crucial for survival. We report the management of two patients, one wi th a double right atrial tear and one with a single right atrial tear, after each was involved in a motor vehicle accident.