title: A rupture of both atrioventricular valves after blunt chest trauma: the usefulness of transesophageal echocardiography for a life-saving diagnosis.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: From the Departments of *Anesthesiology and ‡Surgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas.
authors.forename: Milen P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Petkov
authors.forename: Charles A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Napolitano
authors.forename: H Gareth
authors.initials: HG
authors.lastname: Tobler
authors.forename: Thomas J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Ferrer
authors.forename: J Mauricio
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Palacios
authors.forename: Michael D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Wangler
mesh_terms: 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*