[Case study of puncturing thoracic injury with right ventricle perforation and cardiac tamponade].

We present a case of open thoracic traumatism with heart wound and pericardial tamponade. The echocardiographic findings were inconclusive and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) with fine reconstructions was performed. We discuss the role of CT with emphasis on the radiological signs related to myocardial perforation, hematic pericardial effusion, and cardiac tamponade, as well as ruling out other associated lesions. CT was useful in the evaluation of hemodynamically stable patients with open cardiac wounds and inconclusive echocardiographic findings.