[Traumatic papillary muscle rupture--a case report]

A previously healthy young man sustained a chest injury. During hospital admission following the accident, he exhibited progressive deterioration in blood gases. The chest X-ray showed pulmonary venous congestion. Positive pressure ventilation was required with a tentative diagnosis of respiratory distress syndrome. However, he remained in NYHA class IV. Trans-esophageal cross-sectional echocardiography showed prolapse of the anterior mitral leaflet with papillary muscle rupture. Mitral valve replacement was performed successfully.