Acrocomia aculeata as an unreported cause of tricuspid regurgitation.

Penetrating chest trauma can produce a wide range of lesions to cardiac structures. Some patients develop signs and symptoms of residual sequelae. We describe the case of an 11-year-old boy with severe tricuspid regurgitation caused by the thorn of a palm tree. A De Vega annuloplasty of the tricuspid valve and a bidirectional Glenn procedure were successfully performed 7 years after the episode. This case illustrates the importance of a thorough investigation of possible valvular heart disease in patients who suffered from chest trauma. (Ann Thorac Surg 2009;88:983-5) (C) 2009 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons