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Spontaneous Regression Of Severe Traumatic Tricuspid Valve Regurgitation

Toggweiler et al., 2009Other/Unknown

Toggweiler, S., Turina, J., Jenni, R., & Tanner, F. C. (2010). spontaneous regression of severe traumatic tricuspid valve regurgitation. European heart journal, 31(5), 560. https://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehp531

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Abstract

A 27-year-old male patient was hospitalized after a car accident. In-hospital work-up revealed a subdural haematoma, an unstable C7/Th1 distraction fracture, bilateral pulmonary contusions, and rip fractures with bilateral pneumothorax. On admission, central venous pressure was 25 mmHg with a prominent v-wave. Troponin, cardiac enzymes, and NT-proBNP were elevated. Echocardiography revealed severe tricuspid regurgitation due to partial rupture of the posterior and anterior papillary muscles leading to prolapse of the respective tricuspid valve leaflets. Vena contracta was 12 mm and there was prominent systolic backflow in the hepatic veins. The …

Case Details

Disease Location

Heart

Personal Characteristics

27 years old man hospitalized after a car accident

Clinical Characteristics

Subdural haematoma, unstable c7/th1 distraction fracture, bilateral pulmonary contusions and rip fractures with bilateral pneumothorax. Troponin and cardiac enzymes elevated. Severe tricuspid regurgitation.

Remission Characteristics

Despite tricuspid regurgitation was still severe after hospitalization, 165 days after the accident, fibrosis of the injured papillary muscles was avident, and tricuspid regurgitation became moderate. After 1 year, tricuspid regurgitation was mild and cavity size normalized.

Treatment & Mechanisms

Proposed Remission Mechanisms

Remodelling and scarring of the papillary muscles can provoke a secondary decrease in regurgitation.

Clinical Treatment

29 days of hospitalization