Air-bag-associated rupture of the right atrium.

This article describes a case of an injury due to an air bag. A 22-year-old woman was in a car traveling 10 to 15 mph that collided with a stopped car. The woman's car sustained relatively minor damage, but the air bag inflated. The woman suffered a right atrial tear. According to the authors this case brings up two important points. First, cardiac rupture can occur even in the absence of rib fractures with severe barotrauma. Second, even in low-velocity collisions, the efficacy and safety of the air bag may be enhanced by the use of shoulder seat belts.