Surgical Treatment of Post-Infarction Left Ventricular Free-Wall Rupture: A Multicenter Study

Ventricular Septal Rupture After Myocardial Infarction: JACC Focus Seminar 3/5

Ventricular septal rupture remains a dreadful complication of acute myocardial infarction. Although less commonly observed than during the prethrombolytic era, the condition remains complex and is often associated with refractory cardiogenic shock and death. Corrective surgery, although superior to medical treatment, has been associated with high perioperative morbidity and mortality. Transcatheter closure techniques are less invasive to surgery and offer a valuable alternative, particularly in patients with cardiogenic shock. In these patients, percutaneous mechanical circulatory support represents a novel opportunity for immediate stabilization and preserved end-organ function. Multimodality imaging can identify favorable septal anatomy for the most appropriate type of repair. The heart team approach will define optimal timing for surgery vs percutaneous repair. Emerging concepts are proposed for a deferred treatment approach, including orthotropic heart transplantation in ideal candidates. Finally, for futile situations, palliative care experts and a medical ethics team will provide the best options for end-of-life clinical decision making.

Ventricular Pseudoaneurysm and Free Wall Rupture After Acute Myocardial Infarction: JACC Focus Seminar 4/5

Postinfarction ventricular free-wall rupture is a rare mechanical complication, accounting for <0.01% to 0.02% of cases. As an often-catastrophic event, death typically ensues within minutes due to sudden massive hemopericardium resulting in cardiac tamponade. Early recognition is pivotal, and may allow for pericardial drainage and open surgical repair as the only emergent life-saving procedure. In cases of contained rupture with pseudo-aneurysm (PSA) formation, hospitalization with subsequent early surgical intervention is warranted. Not uncommonly, PSA may go unrecognized in asymptomatic patients and diagnosed late during subsequent cardiac imaging. In these patients, the unsettling risk of complete rupture demands early surgical repair. Novel developments, in the field of transcatheter-based therapies and multimodality imaging, have enabled percutaneous PSA repair as a feasible alternate strategy for patients at high or prohibitive surgical risk. Contemporary advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of postmyocardial infarction ventricular free-wall rupture and PSA are provided in this review.

Successful Suture-Free Repair of Left Ventricular Rupture Using the EVARREST Patch

Left ventricular free wall rupture is a lethal complication of myocardial infarction. Although emergent surgical repair is the treatment of choice, the method of repair remains highly individualized. This report presents a case of spontaneous coronary artery dissection in a patient with Turner syndrome that led to left ventricular free wall rupture and was successfully repaired on cardiopulmonary bypass using a suture-free technique with the EVARREST Fibrin Sealant Patch.

Managing Ventricular Wall Rupture as a Complication of Late Presentation MI in a Complex Patient with Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ventricular free wall rupture is an infrequent but serious complication of myocardial infarction with high mortality despite surgical intervention. In recent years with the COVID-19 pandemic, observational studies have reported a rise in this complication most likely due to patient hesitation in seeking urgent medical assistance for fear of contracting COVID-19 in a hospital setting. This case report highlights the early recognition and diagnosis of ventricular wall rupture by the heart team with a good surgical outcome in a complex patient with ankylosing spondylitis. Ventricular rupture should be considered in deteriorating patients presenting with suspicion of late presentation myocardial infarction. Clinicians in the post-COVID-19 era should expect to see these complications more frequently.

Surgical repair of left ventricular free-wall rupture complicating acute myocardial infarction: a single-center 30 years of experience

Background

Left ventricular free-wall rupture (LVFWR) is a catastrophic complication of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Historically, cardiac surgery is considered the treatment of choice. However, because of the rarity of this entity, little is known regarding the efficacy and safety of surgical treatment for post-infarction LVFWR. The aim of this study was to report a single-center experience in this field over a period of 30 years.

Methods

Patients who developed LVFWR following AMI and underwent surgical repair at our Institution from January 1990 to December 2019 were considered. The primary end-point was in-hospital morality rate; secondary outcomes were long-term survival and postoperative complications. Multivariate analysis was carried out by constructing a logistic regression model to identify risk factors for early mortality.

Results

A total of 35 patients were enrolled in this study. The mean age was 68.9 years; 65.7% were male. The oozing type of LVFWR was encountered in 29 individuals, and the blowout type in 6 subjects. Sutured repair was used in 77.1% of patients, and sutureless repair in the remaining cases. The in-hospital mortality rate was 28.6%. Low cardiac output syndrome was the main cause of postoperative death. Multivariable analysis identified age >75 years at operation, preoperative cardiac arrest, concurrent ventricular septal rupture (VSR) as independent predictors of in-hospital death. Follow-up was complete in 100% of patients who survived surgery (mean follow-up: 9.3 ± 7.8 years); among the survivors, 16 patients died during the follow-up with a 3-year and 12-year overall survival rate of 82.5% and 55.2%, respectively.

Conclusions

Surgical treatment of LVFWR following AMI is possible with acceptable in-hospital mortality and excellent long-term results. Advanced age, concurrent VSR and cardiac arrest at presentation are independent risk factors of poor early outcome.

Impact of COVID-19 on incidence and outcomes of post-infarction mechanical complications in Europe

OBJECTIVES

Post-acute myocardial infarction mechanical complications (post-AMI MCs) represent rare but life-threatening conditions, including free-wall rupture, ventricular septal rupture and papillary muscle rupture. During the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic, an overwhelming pressure on healthcare systems led to delayed and potentially suboptimal treatments for time-dependent conditions. As AMI-related hospitalizations decreased, limited information is available whether higher rates of post-AMI MCs and related deaths occurred in this setting. This study was aimed to assess how COVID-19 in Europe has impacted the incidence, treatment and outcome of MCs.

METHODS

The CAUTION-COVID19 study is a multicentre retrospective study collecting 175 patients with post-AMI MCs in 18 centres from 6 European countries, aimed to compare the incidence of such events, related patients' characteristics, and outcomes, between the first year of pandemic and the 2 previous years.

RESULTS

A non-significant increase in MCs was observed [odds ratio (OR) = 1.15, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.85-1.57; P = 0.364], with stronger growth in ventricular septal rupture diagnoses (OR = 1.43, 95% CI 0.95-2.18; P = 0.090). No significant differences in treatment types and mortality were found between the 2 periods. In-hospital mortality was 50.9% and was higher for conservatively managed cases (90.9%) and lower for surgical patients (44.0%). Patients admitted during COVID-19 more frequently had late-presenting infarction (OR = 2.47, 95% CI 1.24-4.92; P = 0.010), more stable conditions (OR = 2.61, 95% CI 1.27-5.35; P = 0.009) and higher EuroSCORE II (OR = 1.04, 95% CI 1.01-1.06; P = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

A non-significant increase in MCs incidence occurred during the first year of COVID-19, characterized by a significantly higher rate of late-presenting infarction, stable conditions and EuroSCORE-II if compared to pre-pandemic data, without affecting treatment and mortality.

Post-Myocardial Infarction Free-Wall Rupture: Rapid Diagnosis and Management

We present a case of post-myocardial infarction free-wall rupture in a critically ill patient presenting to the emergency department. Through our case we highlight the prompt evaluation, diagnosis, and management necessary to improve survival in a patient with this life-threatening condition. (Level of Difficulty: Beginner.).

Factors associated with in-hospital mortality from free wall rupture after acute myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

Free wall rupture is a fatal and emergency complication of acute myocardial infarction. The factors associated with in-hospital mortality from free wall rupture remain unclear.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the factors associated with in-hospital mortality from free wall rupture.

METHODS

We performed a single-center, retrospective study. We enrolled 111 consecutive patients with free wall rupture following acute myocardial infarction who were admitted to Fuwai Hospital from January 2005 to May 2021. The primary endpoint was in-hospital death. Clinical characteristics, laboratory data, and treatment modalities associated with in-hospital mortality were analyzed.

RESULTS

Eighty-seven of the 111 study participants died in hospital. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that pericardiocentesis (hazard ratio [HR] 0.296, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.094-0.929, p = 0.037), pericardial effusion at admission (HR 0.083, 95% CI 0.025-0.269, p<0.001), time interval between acute myocardial infarction and free wall rupture (HR 0.670, 95% CI 0.598-0.753, p<0.001), and previous myocardial infarction (HR 0.046, 95% CI 0.010-0.208, p<0.001) were independently associated with in-hospital mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Pericardiocentesis, pericardial effusion at admission, the acute myocardial infarction to free wall rupture time, and previous myocardial infarction are associated with a lower rate of in-hospital mortality from free wall rupture after acute myocardial infarction.

Traumatic right ventricular rupture: Case report and brief review of the literature

Rupture of the right ventricular (RV) myocardium is associated with serious morbidity and mortality. Under very rare conditions, a tear in the ventricular wall can lead to the formation of a pseudoaneurysm: an external outpouching of the ventricle that is stabilized by the pericardium, thrombus formation, and/or adhesions. Here, we present a 75-year-old man with RV free wall rupture with pseudoaneurysm following a motor vehicle collision. With concerns for blunt cardiac trauma, initial CTA chest revealed focal outpouching and extension of contrast outside of the confines of the RV chamber, compatible with pseudoaneurysm formation. In this case, conservative management of the pseudoaneurysm was preferred over surgical management, due to the thin RV free wall and present comorbid conditions. We highlight how CTA chest offers a reliable tool for tracking the stability of pseudoaneurysms in the RV and can guide clinical management through directing treatment strategies and appropriate follow-up intervals.

Surgical repair of post-infarction ventricular free-wall rupture in the Netherlands: data from a nationwide registry

BACKGROUND

Ventricular free-wall rupture (VFWR) is an infrequent but catastrophic complication of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Most reports about outcome after surgical treatment are single-center experiences. We examined the early and mid-term outcomes after surgical repair of post-AMI VFWR using the Netherlands Heart Registration (NHR) database.

METHODS

We included data from NHR patients (>18 years old) who underwent surgery for post-AMI VFWR between 2014 and 2019. The primary end-point was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included postoperative complications and mid-term survival.

RESULTS

The study included 148 patients (54.7% male, mean age 66.5±11.1 years). Critical preoperative status was found in 62.6% of subjects. In-hospital mortality was 31.1% (46 of 148). Multivariable analysis identified female sex [odds ratio (OR), 5.49; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.24-13.46] and critical preoperative status (OR, 4.06; 95% CI: 1.36-12.13) as independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. The overall median postoperative follow-up was 2.2 (interquartile range, 0.7-3.8) years. Overall survival rates at three and five years were 58.9% and 55.7%, respectively. Among hospital survivors, only 15 (14.7%) patients died during follow-up, with a five-year survival rate of 80.8%.

CONCLUSIONS

In-hospital mortality after surgical repair of post-AMI VFWR is considerable. Female sex and preoperative critical status are independent predictors of early postoperative (in-hospital) death. Logistic EuroSCORE I can reliably predict in-hospital mortality (optimal cut-off >33%). Mid-term follow-up of patients surviving in-hospital course shows excellent results.

Effects of concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting on early and late mortality in the treatment of post-infarction mechanical complications: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Mechanical complications of acute myocardial infarction represent life-threatening events, including ventricular septal rupture (VSR), left ventricular free-wall rupture (LVFWR) and papillary muscle rupture (PMR). In-hospital mortality is high, even when prompt surgery can be offered. The role of concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in the surgical treatment of these conditions is still debated.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature, from 2000 onwards, about these complications was performed, analyzing data of subjects receiving versus not-receiving concomitant CABG. Primary outcome was early mortality. Secondary outcome was late mortality for hospital survivors. Subgroup analysis for VSR, LVFWR and PMR was also performed.

RESULTS

Thirty-six studies were identified, including 4,321 patients (mostly VSR-related). Preoperative coronarography was performed in 92.2% of the cases, showing single-vessel disease in 54.3% of patients. Concomitant CABG rate was 49.0%. Early mortality was 32.6% and late mortality was 40.0% with 5.2 years of mean follow-up. The analysis showed no difference in early (OR 0.96; P=0.60) or late mortality (RR 0.91; P=0.49) between CABG and non-CABG group. In subgroup analysis, concomitant CABG was associated with significantly lower mortality at long term for PMR (RR 0.42; P=0.001), although it showed a higher, but not significant, mortality in VSR (RR 1.24; P=0.20).

CONCLUSIONS

Concomitant CABG in the treatment for post-infarction mechanical complications showed no significant impact on both early and late mortality, although deserving some distinctions among different types of complication and single versus multiple vessel disease. However, larger, dedicated studies are required to provide more consistent data and evidence.

Surgical treatment for post-infarction papillary muscle rupture: a multicentre study

OBJECTIVES

Papillary muscle rupture (PMR) is a rare but potentially fatal complication of acute myocardial infarction. The aim of this study was to analyse the patient characteristics and early outcomes of the surgical management of post-infarction PMR from an international multicentre registry.

METHODS

Patients underwent surgery for post-infarction PMR between 2001 through 2019 were retrieved from database of the CAUTION study. The primary end point was in-hospital mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 214 patients were included with a mean age of 66.9 (standard deviation: 10.5) years. The posteromedial papillary muscle was the most frequent rupture location (71.9%); the rupture was complete in 67.3% of patients. Mitral valve replacement was performed in 82.7% of cases. One hundred twenty-two patients (57%) had concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting. In-hospital mortality was 24.8%. Temporal trends revealed no apparent improvement in in-hospital mortality during the study period. Multivariable analysis showed that preoperative chronic kidney disfunction [odds ratio (OR): 2.62, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.07-6.45, P = 0.036], cardiac arrest (OR: 3.99, 95% CI: 1.02-15.61, P = 0.046) and cardiopulmonary bypass duration (OR: 1.01, 95% CI: 1.00-1.02, P = 0.04) were independently associated with an increased risk of in-hospital death, whereas concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting was identified as an independent predictor of early survival (OR: 0.38, 95% CI: 0.16-0.92, P = 0.031).

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical treatment for post-infarction PMR carries a high in-hospital mortality rate, which did not improve during the study period. Because concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting confers a survival benefit, this additional procedure should be performed, whenever possible, in an attempt to improve the outcome.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03848429.

Left ventricular free wall rupture: A real nightmare

Left ventricular free wall rupture (LVFWR) is a rarest but often lethal mechanical complication of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The mortality rate for LVFWR is described from 75% to 90% and it is the cause for 20% of in-hospital deaths after AMI. Death results essentially from the limited time available for emergent intervention after onset of symptoms. Emergency surgery is indicated and normally the rupture site is easily identified, but it may not be apparent macroscopically, corresponding to transmyocardial or subepicardial dissection with an external rupture far from the infarction site, or already thrombosed and contained. Repair of the ventricular wall is usually achieved either by suturing the edges of the tear or closing it with patches of artificial material or biological tissues, usually using some kind of biological glue. However, several cases of successful conservative management have been described. In this Editorial, I comment on the metanalysis conducted by Matteucci et al, published in this issue of the Journal, including 11 nonrandomized studies and enrolling a total of 363 patients, which brings a great deal of new knowledge that can help not only in the prevention but also in the management of this dreadful complication of AMI.