'Whisper from the mitral valve': delayed diagnosis of traumatic mitral valve regurgitation in an elderly farmer-a case report.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Traumatic mitral regurgitation (MR) is an exceptionally rare complication associated with blunt chest trauma, particularly following relatively low-impact injuries. In the critical and chaotic settings of polytrauma, its diagnosis is often delayed and can easily be overlooked. This oversight can lead to progressive haemodynamic deterioration and, ultimately, fatal outcomes.

Case summary

A 73-year-old man sustained blunt chest trauma after falling ∼2.5 m from a truck bed. Initial assessment revealed a left haemopneumothorax and multiple rib fractures, with no audible heart murmur or signs of haemodynamic compromise. A chest drain was inserted, and he was discharged after conservative management. However, 3 weeks post-injury, a Grade III systolic regurgitant murmur

SUBMITTER: Tsukamoto S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12404301 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature