[Blunt heart injuries].

Cardiac injuries were present in 16% of our patients suffering from blunt chest trauma. 25% of these cases had no concomitant rib fractures. Sonography is extremely important for evaluation. In myocardial contusion the electrocardiogram reveals mainly disturbances in repolarisation (66 out of 108 patients) and rhythm disturbances (59 patients). A ratio of CK-MB isoenzyme/total CK of over 8% is highly suggestive of myocardial injury. Continuous monitoring in ICU is mandatory. Prognosis is mainly based on additional injuries. Heart wall rupture and luxation of the heart require operative treatment. Lesions of the aortic valves are the most frequent valve injuries.