[A case of traumatic aortic valve rupture]

A case of aortic valve rupture as a result of blunt trauma by motorcycle accident is presented. A previously healthy 18-year-old male developed severe congestive heart failure 46 days after the initial trauma. There were crescentic tears in the right and non-coronary cusps parallel to and along the whole length of the cusps. The valve was excised and replaced with a 21 mm St. Jude Medical prosthesis. Following the procedure he made an relatively uneventful recovery and was discharged on the 83rd postoperative day. The possibility of damage to the heart valves in traffic accidents must be borne in mind since rapid deterioration can occur and early surgical therapy is essential.