[Isolated rupture of the interventricular septum after blunt chest trauma (author's transl)]

The mechanism, symptoms and treatment of traumatic ventricular septal defect are discussed on the basis of an own observation. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report of a rupture of the membranous septum, involving the portion between the left ventricle and the right atrium. An attempt is made to explain the mechanism of isolated traumatic ventricular septal rupture on the basis of embryological considerations. The patient died on the 11th postoperative circulatory status and inspite rather prompt diagnosis and operative treatment.