Nonsurgical management of cardiac missiles

Pediatr Emerg Care. 2010 Jan;26(1):36-8. doi: 10.1097/PEC.0b013e3181c39a39.

Abstract

Modern air-powered pellet guns are capable of propelling their projectiles at velocities of 250 to 930 ft/s depending on their propulsion system-rivaling traditional small caliber firearms in the potential for serious soft tissue injuries. Management decisions regarding thoracic/cardiac pellet gun injuries must be based on the presentation and stability of the patient and the location of the retained pellet. We present a report of the nonsurgical management of an 8-year-old girl with a retained pericardial pellet and small stable effusion.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acetaminophen / therapeutic use*
  • Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / therapeutic use*
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Child
  • Echocardiography
  • Electrocardiography
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Heart Injuries / diagnosis
  • Heart Injuries / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Monitoring, Physiologic / methods*
  • Radiography, Thoracic
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Trauma Severity Indices
  • Wounds, Gunshot / diagnosis
  • Wounds, Gunshot / therapy*

Substances

  • Analgesics, Non-Narcotic
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Acetaminophen