Tricuspid regurgitation caused by blunt chest trauma in association with pericardial agenesis: surgical correction after eight years.

Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) caused by nonpenetrating trauma of the chest is rare. It has been seen more frequently in recent years, presumably because of the increase in automobile accidents and the availability of better diagnostic facilities. Since the first description by Williams in 1829, 31 cases have been reported, but surgical or necropsy proof of the condition was obtained in 23 only.1-"1 In 10 cases the cause was rupture of papillary muscles; in the remainder it was rupture of the chordae tendineae or laceration of the valve leaflets. Associated tear of the pericardium was reported in three cases. TR caused by rupture of the papillary muscles is the most severe variety.7 10 12 We report here a case of isolated TR caused by rupture of the anterior papillary muscle after blunt chest trauma. Partial agenesis or, less probably, tearing of the pericardium and herniation of the right ventricle were also found at the time of operation.