Imaging of cardiac herniation in traumatic pericardial rupture

Cardiac herniation as a result of traumatic pericardial rupture is a serious injury and a difficult diagnosis to make on radiographic studies. Even with the more advanced imaging modalities, this rare diagnosis remains challenging. In a high-energy traumatic setting, there are chest radiograph and multidetector computed tomography findings that are strongly suggestive of cardiac herniation. The imaging, along with greater awareness of this injury, may provide a more rapid diagnosis, thus potentially preventing the severe clinical deterioration often seen in these patients.