Traumatic Tricuspid Insufficiency

Abstract

Traumatic tricuspid insufficiency following blunt chest trauma, although an uncommon entity, has been reported more frequently over the past 2 decades. Increased physician awareness of the possibility of myocardial trauma accompanied by proper clinical evaluation and follow-up are the keys to a successful outcome regardless of whether a medical or surgical approach to treatment is initially selected. Early surgical correction has become the preferred treatment in most instances and may be influenced by clinical status and other associated comorbid condi tions. A patient with a combination of myocardial contusion, valve laceration, and papillary muscle rupture is presented.