Successful management of traumatic aortic valve insufficiency; report of a case

A case of the successful management of traumatic aortic valve insufficiency is reported. A previously healthy 48-year-old man sustained multiple injuries in a traffic accident. One month after the accident, heart failure, derived from aortic insufficiency, was noted. Three years and 5 months after the injuries, aortic valve replacement was performed, and a large tear, approximately 7 mm in length, was found in the aortic right coronary cusp. This finding corresponded to the traumatic aortic valve insufficiency. Traumatic aortic valve insufficiency is rare, and early diagnosis may be difficult. Examinations for associated intracardiac injuries should be carefully undertaken.