Auricular Rupture in a Fatal Fall

Dr. Pavanchand Shetty, Dr. Somshekhar Sharma

Abstract: Deaths due to fall from height can be due to injury to head and spinal cord, thoracic injuries, abdominal injuries etc. Cardiac rupture following blunt trauma to the chest is a relatively uncommon diagnosis, however it is associated with a very high mortality rate. Successful management is based on a high index of suspicion, avoidance of unnecessary diagnostic studies and immediate surgical intervention once the diagnosis is made. Of all the injuries to the heart left auricular rupture is a rarity. Hence we present such a rare case.

Keywords: Cardiac rupture, Cardiac tamponade, Diagnosis, Fall from height