Atrial fibrillation: a delayed presentation of traumatic tricuspid valve incompetence

Isolated tricuspid valve incompetence resulting from blunt thoracic injury is rare. The diagnosis may be challenging. Subsequent clinical course may be variable. Early surgical intervention rather than medical therapy has been suggested in selected cases. We report a case of blunt chest trauma causing delayed chronic tricuspid regurgitation manifesting primarily as atrial fibrillation many years after the initial blunt chest trauma. Replacement of tricuspid valve restored normal sinus rhythm.