Pericardial rupture after blunt chest trauma.

Traumatic pericardial rupture is a rare injury with potentially fatal consequences, usually occurring in patients who have sustained other severe injuries of the chest and abdomen. Diagnosis is difficult and is commonly made at the time of surgery. Radiographs and computed tomography of the chest may provide clues to the diagnosis. We present one case of left pleuropericardial rupture and another of traumatic diaphragmatic pericardial rupture.