An unusual cause of mitral incompetence: post-traumatic paraprosthetic mitral incompetence

Nonpenetrating chest trauma, particularly that involving high-speed, may cause a variety of cardiac and aortic injuries. Cardiac valvular disruption following trauma is uncommon. Two cases of paraprosthetic mitral incompetence following blunt chest trauma are presented to document this entity and to discuss its investigation and management. Clinical examination and a high index of suspicion are foremost in making the diagnosis. Noninvasive tests may not confirm clinical diagnosis and cardiac catheterization has provided confirmation of clinical diagnosis.