Disruption of a normal aortic valve as a result of blunt chest trauma

Many cardiac lesions may result from nonpenetrating chest trauma. Myocardial contusions and lacerations are most common. Isolated valvular lesions are rare. The most common of these, in surviving patients, is aortic valve disruption (12). The course and management of a patient with a torn aortic valve as a result of nonpenetrating trauma are presented. Surgical replacement (porcine) of the valve and stabilization of the fractured sternum were followed by full recovery at 7 months postinjury.