A meta-analysis of blunt cardiac trauma: ending myocardial confusion

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#contusions #creatine-kinase #electrocardiography #heart-injuries #humans

A meta-analysis of blunt cardiac trauma: ending myocardial confusion

Maenza et al., 1996 | Am J Emerg Med | Meta Analysis

Citation

Maenza R L, Seaberg D, D'Amico F. A meta-analysis of blunt cardiac trauma: ending myocardial confusion. Am J Emerg Med. 1996-May;14(3):237-41

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to use a meta-analysis of the current literature to identify which patients with blunt cardiac trauma develop complications. All studies on myocardial contusion since 1967 were reviewed. Three separate meta-analyses were performed: one with only prospective studies, one with only retrospective studies, and one with all studies combined. Data on electrocardiogram (ECG), creatine phosphokinase-MB isoenzyme (CPK-MB), radionuclide scans, and echocardiogram were analyzed using the Mantel-Haenszel procedure. Results of the three meta-analyses were similar. Abnormal ECG and abnormal CPK-MB were found to correlate directly with complications requiring treatment. Conversely, normal ECG and CPK-MB correlated with the lack of clinically significant complications. Radionuclide scans did not correlate with complications. The results for echocardiogram were not congruent between the prospective and retrospective studies. The data support the use of ECG and CPK-MB in the diagnosis of clinically significant myocardial contusion. Radionuclide scanning is not useful in the evaluation of patients with blunt cardiac trauma. Further studies need to define the role of echocardiography.

Key Findings

Further studies need to define the role of echocardiography.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population blunt cardiac trauma develop
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Contusions
  • Creatine Kinase
  • Electrocardiography
  • Heart Injuries
  • Humans
  • Isoenzymes
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Prospective Studies
  • Research Design
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Wounds, Nonpenetrating

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis
  • Vertical: creatine

Provenance

  • PMID: 8639191
  • DOI: (not available)
  • PMCID: Not in PMC
  • Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09