[Post-traumatic rupture of the pericardium with cardiac luxation associated with-myocardial infarction, and a rupture of the aortic isthmus (author's transl)].

A case of rupture of the pericardium with cardiac luxation is reported. Violent trauma is necessary to produce such lesions, and this explains the frequency of rapid death before the pericardium rupture is recognised. A definite diagnosis is only possible during operation in one out of two cases that survive. This lesion should be suspected in all cases of chest injury, and complementary examinations, particularly radiological and electrocardiographic, should be requested. Treatment is surgical.