Author/Editor     Vidmar, J; Brilej, D; Voga, G; Kovačič, N; Smrkolj, V
Title     Insuffizienz der Aortenklappe aufgrund einer Ruptur des Klappensegels bei einem polytraumatisierten Patienten
Translated title     Aortic valve insufficiency due to rupture of the cusp in a patient with multiple trauma
Type     članek
Source     Unfallchirurg
Vol. and No.     Letnik 106, št. 6
Publication year     2003
Volume     str. 514-8
Language     ger
Abstract     Lesions of the heart valve caused by blunt chest trauma is rare, but when it does occur in can significantly injure the patient. On the basis of autopsiy studies, research shows that heart valves are injured in less than 5% of patients who have died due to impact thoracic trauma. Among the heart valves, the aortic valve is the most often lacerated, which has been proved by relevant autopsy and clinical studies. Aortic valve lesions can be the only injury, but is possible that additional heart or large vessel injuries are also present (myocardial contusion, rupture of the atrial septum, aortic rupture, rupture of the left common carotid artery). The force that causes such an injury is often great and often causes injuries to other organs and organ systems. In a multiple trauma patient, it is very important to specifically look for heart related injuries because it is possible that they may be overlooked or missed by the surgeon, because of other obvious injuries. We describe the case of 41-year-old man with multiple trauma who was diagnosed with aortic valve insufficiency due to rupture of the left coronary cusp 6 weeks after a road accident. Valvuloplasty was performed. Seven years later the patient is free of symptoms and is in good physical condition. Echocardiography showed normal dimensions of the heart chambers, a normal thickness of the heart walls, and normal systolic and diastolic function of the left ventricle. Heart valves are morphologically normal, and only an unimportant aortic insufficiency was noticed by echocardiography.
Descriptors     AORTIC VALVE
AORTIC VALVE INSUFFICIENCY
MULTIPLE TRAUMA
ADULT
ACCIDENTS, TRAFFIC
CLAVICLE
ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY
THORACIC RADIOGRAPHY
RIB FRACTURES
RUPTURE
TIME FACTORS
TREATMENT OUTCOME