Traumatic Tricuspid Insufficiency

A patient with isolated traumatic rupture of the anterior papillary muscle of the tricuspid valve is described. This is the second such case in the literature. Clinical observations, hemodynamic data, and details of surgical treatment are discussed. The diagnosis should be suspected in any patient who initially develops clinical evidence of tricuspid insufficiency following mechanical trauma to the chest or during the course of endocarditis. Treatment is directed at the associated primary condition, i.e., severe trauma elsewhere in the body or endocarditis. The indications for open-heart surgery will be a matter for decision in individual cases.