Abstract
Left ventricular free wall rupture is an uncommon complication after a myocardial infarction that is associated with a high mortality rate from pericardial tamponade, especially in the elderly. Early recognition and management of this clinical entity affects the outcome; therefore, a high index of suspicion is imperative. We present a case of an 80-year-old man admitted with myocardial infarction, who had subsequent findings of left ventricular free wall rupture complicated by pericardial tamponade. Emergent surgical repair led to successful recovery. A brief overview of the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of this challenging and potentially fatal complication is presented.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 178-180 |
| Number of pages | 3 |
| Journal | Texas Heart Institute Journal |
| Volume | 31 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| State | Published - 2004 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Aged, 80 and over
- Cardiac tamponade
- Echocardiography, transthoracic
- Heart rupture, postinfarction/diagnosis/therapy
- Heart ventricle
- Male
- Myocardial infarction/complications
- Rupture, spontaneous