Rodríguez CLJ, Guerrero SEM, Toledo VJP, Salmerón GJD, Vega TE

Language: Spanish
References: 8
Page: 159-160
PDF size: 560.17 Kb.

ABSTRACT

Introduction: the extent and severity of electrical injuries depend on the intensity of the electrical current –which is directly proportional to voltage and inversely proportional to resistance–, the entry point, the duration of contact, and the type of current, with alternating current being more dangerous than direct current.^1,2 The heart is one of the most vulnerable organs to electrical current, which can cause arrhythmias, conduction disturbances, various electrocardiographic abnormalities, myocardial or valvular rupture, pericardial effusion, and structural changes in the coronary arteries and small myocardial vessels.^2,3 Objective: to present a case report and review the literature on a patient with interatrial septum rupture secondary to an electrical burn, treated in the intensive care unit. Case report: a 54-year-old male patient presented with sudden onset of symptoms following a high-voltage electrical burn. His hemodynamic status deteriorated, prompting investigation into a possible cardiac cause. Conclusion: implementing an early echocardiogram protocol for patients with electrical burns could significantly impact mortality rates in these cases.

REFERENCES

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2. Brandao C, Vaz M, Brito IM, Ferreira B, Meireles R, Ramos S, Cabral L. Electrical burns: a retrospective analysis over a 10-year period. Ann Burns Fire Disasters. 2017;30(4):268-271.

3. Gentges J, Schieche C, Nusbaum J, Gupta N. Points & Pearls: electrical injuries in the emergency department: an evidence-based review. Emerg Med Pract. 2018;20(Suppl 11):1-2.

4. González CLF, Ávila VSV, Quezada RJT, Vivas GSM. Fisiopatología de las quemaduras eléctricas: artículo de revisión. Rev Chil Anest de Cirugía Plástica. 2019;24(2):51-56.

5. Rosenkranz KM, Sheridan R. Management of the burned trauma patient: balancing conflicting priorities. Burns. 2002;28(7):665-669.

6. Bittner EA, Shank E, Woodson L, Martyn JA. Acute and perioperative care of the burn-injured patient. Anesthesiology. 2015;122(2):448-464.

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8. González CLF, Ávila VSV. Fisiopatología de las quemaduras eléctricas: artículo de revisión. Revista Argentina de Cirugía Plástica. 2018;24(2):51-56.