Diagnosis and management of acute aortic valvular disruption secondary to rapid-deceleration trauma
Munshi, I.A.; Barie, P.S.; Hawes, A.S.; Lang, S.J.; Fischer, E.
Journal of Trauma 41(6): 1047-1050
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-5282 PMID: 8970562 Document Number: 461169
Acute aortic valve rupture with resultant aortic insufficiency is a rare complication of blunt trauma. We describe a case in which a patient fell 70 feet, sustaining avulsion of two leaflets of the aortic valve along with multiple other injuries, primarily orthopedic. Our case demonstrates that patients with acute aortic regurgitation can be managed nonoperatively if necessary in the acute setting, enabling management of other significant trauma. Subsequent semielective valvular replacement may be undertaken if other injuries must take precedence.