Stab to the Chest Causing Severe Great Vessel Injury

Penetrating trauma has increased in developed and urban environments. Pulmonary artery injury is rare, but can be associated with significant morbidity. We report a case of delayed cardiac arrest following a stab injury to the chest. The patient had active great vessel bleeding and required extensive surgical intervention. Clinicians should have a high index of suspicion for life-threatening thoracic injuries following a stab injury to the chest, despite initial clinical stability or negative baseline radiological findings.