Echocardiographic evaluation of patients with blunt chest injury: Correlation with perioperative hypotension

We reviewed our experience with the anesthetic management of patients sustaining blunt chest trauma and with evidence of myocardial contusion by 2-D echo. Patients with abnormal 2-D echo examinations had an increased incidence of preoperative and intraoperative hypotension associated with an increased CVP. This suggests that preoperative 2-D echocardiography is a sensitive test for predicting which patients are likely to experience hypotension in association with an increased CVP.