Severe traumatic tricuspid valvular insufficiency detected 28 years after blunt chest trauma – A case report

INTRODUCTION: Tricuspid valvular insufficiency is a rare complication following blunt chest trauma. The prevalence of the condition may be underestimated due to subtle clinical symptoms. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We report a case of tricuspid valvular insufficiency in a 44-year-old man detected 28 years after a high-energy moped-accident. Surgery was required, consisting of leaflet resuspension with an artificial chorda and a ring annuloplasty. DISCUSSION: Tricuspid valvular insufficiency secondary to blunt chest trauma is sometimes first detected several years after the index event due to few symptoms. This may lead to a delay in treatment, and thus result in irreversible dilatation of the right-sided cavities. CONCLUSION: Valve repair is preferable to valve replacement, since patients are typically young and active. Better surgical results and avoidance of late complications can be obtained if the patient is operated when still asymptomatic.