Traumatic rupture of the tricuspid valve: repair by chordal replacements and annuloplasty.

A 10-year-old girl sustained traumatic rupture of the tricuspid valve in an automobile accident. Three years later, progressive fatigue and cardiac enlargement developed. The valve was repaired by pericardial chordal replacements and ring annuloplasty. Nine months postoperatively the patient is in good clinical condition and echocardiography has indicated near-normal function of the tricuspid valve and right ventricle.