A rupture of both atrioventricular valves after blunt chest trauma: the usefulness of transesophageal echocardiography for a life-saving diagnosis.

Survival after the rupture of the both mitral and tricuspid valves in blunt thoracic trauma is uncommon and requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. We present a case in which transesophageal echocardiography performed in the operating room by the anesthesiologist identified the etiology of hemodynamic instability and facilitated successful emergency replacement of both valves.