Ventricular septal defect as a result of direct trauma from mechanical mitral valve prosthesis.

We present a case of a patient with preexisting mechanical mitral valve who developed a traumatic ventricular septal defect following a motor vehicle accident. Serial transthoracic echocardiography revealed the progressive nature of the defect. Surgical repair was delayed due to significant noncardiac comorbidities. The ventricular septal defect was found in an unusual location in the membranous portion of the interventricular septum. We discuss the possible etiologic mechanisms of injury as well as the importance of timely surgical repair.