Asymptomatic aortic stenosis and unexpected death in the trauma patient

We report the cases of two young trauma patients with asymptomatic aortic stenosis who died after nonlethal blunt traumatic injuries. In both cases, their deaths were attributed to their underlying valvular disease. Awareness of the incidence of asymptomatic aortic stenosis and its potential physiologic hazard to the trauma victim may facilitate management of these difficult patients.