American journal of critical care : an official publication, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
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Review Comparative Study
Myocardial contusion: new concepts in diagnosis and management.
Myocardial contusion is diagnosed with one or a combination of four diagnostic procedures: electrocardiography, echocardiography, creatine kinase MB fractions and/or radionuclide procedures. This article presents a critical review of 18 recent studies addressing the utility, sensitivity and specificity of these tests. ⋯ Echocardiography is useful in the management of myocardial decompensation but not as a primary screening tool in blunt cardiac injury. Cost comparisons, resource allocation and implications for critical care practice are discussed.