Aortic valve repair of non-penetrating traumatic aortic regurgitation.

Traumatic aortic valve rupture is an extremely rare complication of non-penetrating cardiac injury, and may be caused by a tear or avulsion of the cusp or commissure. Transesophageal echocardiography represents the most important tool for evaluating the nature and extent of such traumatic lesions. The case is reported of a 74-year-old male who had sustained a non-penetrating chest injury in a motor vehicle accident, and suffered from aortic regurgitation as a result of rupture of the normal aortic valve.

Secondary tricuspid regurgitation or dilatation: which should be the criteria for surgical repair?

Background: Secondary tricuspid dilatation may or not be accompanied by tricuspid regurgitation (TR). Tricuspid dilatation can be objectively measured whereas TR can vary according to the preload, afterload, and right ventricular function. The purpose of this prospective study was to determine whether surgical repair of the tricuspid valve based on tricuspid dilatation rather than TR could lead to potential benefits.