A rupture of both atrioventricular valves after blunt chest trauma: the usefulness of transesophageal echocardiography for a life-saving diagnosis.
Survival after the rupture of the both mitral and tricuspid valves in blunt thoracic trauma is uncommon and requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. We present a case in which transesophageal echocardiography performed in the operating room by the anesthesiologist identified the etiology of hemodynamic instability and facilitated successful emergency replacement of both valves.
Petkov
Milen P
MP
From the Departments of *Anesthesiology and ‡Surgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas.
Napolitano
Charles A
CA
Tobler
H Gareth
HG
Ferrer
Thomas J
TJ
Palacios
J Mauricio
JM
Wangler
Michael D
MD
D000328:Adult; D017548:Echocardiography, Transesophageal; D006335:Heart Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006351:Heart Valves / Q000293:injuries*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012421:Rupture; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*