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. 1987 Dec;42(12):980–983. doi: 10.1136/thx.42.12.980

Bullets retained within the heart: diagnosis and management in three cases.

L S Fragomeni 1, P C Azambuja 1
PMCID: PMC461063  PMID: 3438887

Abstract

Three cases of gunshot wounds of the chest are reported, in each of which a bullet was retained within the heart. Although it is rare, the surgeon should consider this possibility if the missile overlies the cardiac silhouette on the plain chest radiograph. Fluoroscopy played an important part in confirming the diagnosis. Cardiopulmonary bypass was used in all cases and provides operating circumstances that improve the prospects of success.

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Selected References

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