Surgical repair of atrial septal rupture due to blunt trauma

We report a case of atrial septal rupture and surgical cure after blunt chest trauma. Review of the literature indicates that this rare lesion results from severe forces applied to the chest and is often associated with other serious and life-threatening injuries. The defect may not be recognized for several months or even years in patients who survive concomitant initial trauma. When operative repair is undertaken, a favorable outcome can be anticipated.