Chronic aorto‐right ventricular fistula following penetrating cardiac injury: A case report

Abstract

Aorto‐cardiac fistula is a rare but potentially life‐threatening condition. We herein report a rare case of chronic aorto‐right ventricular fistula formation secondary to a stab penetrating injury to the heart and aorta occurred 15 years ago. The aorto‐right ventricular fistula was not found until 15 years after the incident. The fistula had been repaired successfully to prevent further deterioration of cardiac function. Here, we report the clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment strategies of the aorto‐right ventricular fistula, and discuss the possible etiology of the development of the fistula after the penetrating injury.

Management of an accidental penetrating cardiac injury in a 4-year-old girl

“…These injuries can result from both blunt and penetrating trauma, such as stab wounds, gunshot wounds, or foreign body penetration [ 4 , 5 , 6 ]. The prognosis for penetrating cardiac injuries is generally poor, with high mortality rates reported in the literature [ 7 , 8 ].…”