Anatomic, clinical, and therapeutic features of acute cardiac rupture

Surgical Approach to Myocardial Rupture after Acute Myocardial Infarction

Rupture of the ventricular wall is a highly lethal complication of acute myocardial infarction that is diagnosed more frequently with the increased use of two-dimensional echocardiography. External patching techniques were used to treat 4 patients with ventricular rupture, thus avoiding resection of necrotic myocardium. Three of the patients survived. One patient developed a large left ventricular pseudoaneurysm requiring reoperation. The other 2 patients had intact repairs on follow-up echocardiogram obtained after 5 weeks and 3 years, respectively. With prompt recognition and treatment, patient survival and excellent short-term results can be achieved.

Subacute rupture of the free left ventricular wall following acute myocardial infarction. Report of an atypical case with successful surgical repair

In previously published cases of subacute or sealed postinfarction rupture of the free left ventricular wall, the patients presented a clinical picture of sudden shock and tamponade. Our patient, a 64-year-old man, suffered renewed chest pain on the fourth postinfarction day and went into cardiogenic shock, which was pharmacologically reversible. There were no bed-side signs of tamponade and the ECG showed the pattern of acute pericarditis, both features in contrast to previously reported cases in the literature. Echocardiography demonstrated localized fluid in the pericardial sac and a puncture revealed non-coagulating blood. The patient was successfully operated on. At surgery a small rupture sealed by blood clots was demonstrated in the infarcted inferior wall of the left ventricle.

Ventricular aneurysm repair: a new approach

Repair of chronic left ventricular aneurysm or acute rupture of the heart after myocardial infarction is associated with technical difficulties and major morbidity and mortality. We describe a new endoventricular repair for both conditions. The repair consists of externally covering a Duran ring with Dacron and internally lining it with autologous pericardium. The modified ring is then sewn into the neck of the lesion. The technique is rapid, simple, and hemostatic. After repair of the chronic aneurysm, ventricular hemodynamics are improved during both diastole and systole. We have performed this technique in two patients with chronic aneurysm and one with subacute rupture.

Surgical repair of subacute left ventricular free wall rupture

BACKGROUND

The natural course of subacute ventricular free wall rupture (FWR) as a complication of acute myocardial infarction (MI) is usually lethal. The aim of this study was to investigate the curability of this entity and to report on five patients successfully treated by rapid diagnosis, hemodynamic stabilization, and emergency surgical repair.

METHODS

Five patients with subacute FWR of the left ventricle after previous MI were operated on. Infarctectomy with subsequent closure of the ruptured area was carried out in two patients with anterolateral infarction. Three other patients (two with posterior and one with lateral infarction) were treated by direct closure and the application of a patch. Furthermore, in two patients, concomitant myocardial revascularization was performed.

RESULTS

All patients survived the procedure and were alive and well at long-term follow-up (mean 36.4 months). None of the patients suffered recurrent MI.

CONCLUSIONS

Our experience and a review of the literature shows that prompt diagnosis and emergency surgical intervention may save the patient. Anterior rupture (with a moderate sized infarcted area) is best treated by infarctectomy and subsequent closure of the ventriculotomy with sutures buttressed with felt, whereas posterior rupture may be treated by direct closure and the application of an epicardial patch. Considering our results, we cannot conclude whether additional coronary artery bypass grafting is beneficial or not. Our suggestion is to perform additional myocardial revascularization only if indicated.

"Concealed" rupture of the left ventricle: successful surgical repair

A 70-year-old woman with a history of angina and hypertension presented with a large anterior infarct complicated by rupture and tamponade. Angiography showed triple-vessel disease and a large anteroapical aneurysm. Operative findings included extensive dissection of the septum and rupture of the right ventricular free wall. The patient survived the operation, which included replacement of the left ventricular free wall, extensive patching of the septum, and plication of the infarcted right ventricle.

Subacute ventricular free wall rupture complicating myocardial infarction

Myocardial free wall rupture accounts for between 8% and 17% of mortality after myocardial infarction. In up to 40% of cases death occurs subacutely over a matter of hours, not minutes. Illustrative clinical cases and data suggest that a high degree of clinical suspicion, along with the early use of echocardiography, could significantly reduce mortality resulting from myocardial free wall rupture complicating myocardial infarction. Myocardial free wall rupture should be suspected in patients with recent myocardial infarction who have recurrent or persistent chest pain, hemodynamic instability, syncope, pericardial tamponade, or transient electromechanical dissociation. In this clinical situation, emergent echocardiography showing a pericardial effusion or pericardial thrombus is highly suggestive of free wall rupture. Surgical exploration and rupture repair is the definitive diagnostic and therapeutic procedure.

Subacute cardiac rupture: repair with a sutureless technique

Thirteen patients with ages between 53 and 74 years had development of free wall left ventricular rupture after a myocardial infarction (mean interval, 3.8 days). All patients showed clinical signs of cardiac tamponade. Diagnosis was established by bedside multiple pressure monitoring and echocardiography, which showed pericardial effusion with compression of the right ventricle. Cardiac catheterization was not performed. A new surgical technique was employed for the repair. After the pericardium was opened and cardiac tamponade was relieved, the myocardial tear was identified. A Teflon patch was applied over the area and glued to the heart surface with a surgical glue (cyanoacrylate). Cardiopulmonary bypass was not used except in a patient with a posterior tear. The method was consistently effective in controlling bleeding from the myocardial tear. All patients survived the operation and were discharged from the hospital a mean of 15 days after the operation. Follow-up extending up to 5 years (mean, 26 months) shows a 100% survival, 11 asymptomatic patients, and 2 patients with mild exertional angina. The technique is a simple, effective, and safe method for repair of subacute cardiac rupture and obviates the need for suturing on an infarcted ventricle.

Ventricular free-wall rupture after myocardial infarction. Treatment and outcome

Ventricular free-wall rupture remains one of the leading causes of death after myocardial infarction (MI). With increased abilities for diagnosis and resuscitation techniques, surgical correction of free-wall myocardial defects resulting from ischemia and necrosis may become a simple modality of treatment, resulting in improvement of the survival rate. We are reporting our experience with four patients with ventricular free-wall rupture after MI, with emphasis on clinical presentation, diagnosis, and surgical management.

Hemodynamic efficacy of rapid saline infusion and dobutamine versus saline infusion alone in a model of cardiac rupture

Despite recent reports describing survival after cardiac rupture, the effectiveness of circulatory support while awaiting definitive surgical treatment is controversial. To assess the efficacy of volume expansion and pharmacologic support in cardiac tamponade due to cardiac rupture, a model of hemorrhagic cardiac tamponade was developed and treatment with rapid saline infusion and dobutamine was compared with rapid saline infusion alone in 15 closed chest dogs. A right ventricular wound of reproducible size was produced by deflating an aortic valvuloplasty balloon that had previously been passed by way of the internal jugular vein into the pericardial space and through a stab wound in the right ventricular free wall. Hemodynamic values were compared at baseline, during tamponade and after a rapid infusion (1 liter at 100 ml/min) of either saline solution alone or saline solution plus dobutamine (20 micrograms/kg per min). Atrial and pericardial pressures increased significantly in both groups. Mean arterial pressure, cardiac output and stroke volume increased with combined saline and dobutamine infusion to values similar to those at baseline (91 +/- 19%, 114 +/- 43% and 94 +/- 37% of baseline, respectively). In contrast, saline infusion alone caused a small increase in cardiac output but failed to significantly increase mean arterial pressure or stroke volume (76.8 +/- 14.2%, 55 +/- 18% and 51 +/- 17% of baseline, respectively). Combined rapid infusion of saline solution and dobutamine infusion has a more beneficial hemodynamic effect and may be more effective than rapid saline infusion alone in resuscitating patients with hemorrhagic cardiac tamponade due to cardiac rupture.

Myocardial rupture in expanded infarcts: repair using pericardial patch

Myocardial rupture is found in approximately 20% of fatal infarctions, but the diagnosis is rarely made before death. Rupture occurs in "expanding" transmural infarctions. The diagnosis should be considered in any patient who develops recurrent chest pain and cardiovascular instability within the first week after infarction. Echocardiographic evidence of a dilated infarct with pericardial effusion is confirmatory. Three cases are described, and previous reports are reviewed. Because most patients have multivessel disease, we recommend pericardiocentesis and rapid cardiac catheterization. Infarctectomy may be appropriate when the edges of the lesion are obvious, but the more typical diffuse, serpiginous defects should be closed with dacron-bolstered sutures covered with a wide autologous pericardial patch. Myocardial rupture is a treatable condition, and a high index of suspicion is necessary in order to recognize it more frequently.

Prediction of rupture in acute myocardial infarction

In two patient series including 809 and 327 patients, respectively, with acute myocardial infarction we have compared those who died in myocardial rupture (verified at autopsy, Group A) with those who died without rupture (autopsied, Group B), and those who survived hospitalization (Group C) with regard to previous history and clinical course in hospital. Rupture among autopsied patients was observed in 45% and 40% of the cases in the respective studies. Previous infarction was observed in each study as 0% and 0% in Group A compared with 25% and 31% in Group B, and 20% and 34% in Group C. Previous angina pectoris was observed in 26% and 22% in Group A compared with 50% and 54% in Group B and 52% and 54% in Group C. Maximum serum enzyme activity in Group A did not differ from Group B, but was higher than in Group C (p less than 0.001). Group A patients tended to have a higher initial pain score and a higher requirement of analgesics compared with other groups, whereas initial heart rate or systolic blood pressure did not differ in these patients compared to others. We thus conclude that patients with myocardial rupture have a very low occurrence of previous myocardial infarction and angina pectoris, and that their pain course appears to be particularly severe in the acute phase.

Pseudosepsis after myocardial infarction. Unusual presentation of anterior wall rupture and left ventricular pseudoaneurysm

Left ventricular pseudoaneurysm complicating myocardial infarction is extremely rare. A case of left ventricular anterolateral pseudoaneurysm with its initial presentation mimicking septic shock is reported. The need for urgent resection is stressed due to the high incidence of spontaneous rupture and death regardless of the age or the size of the pseudoaneurysm.

Hemodynamic effect of dextran, dobutamine, and pericardiocentesis in cardiac tamponade secondary to subacute heart rupture

Seventeen patients with acute myocardial infarction and tamponade after subacute ventricular free-wall rupture were treated with dextran, dobutamine, and pericardiocentesis before definitive surgical repair. In all of the patients the diagnosis was confirmed anatomically. Dextran (200 to 900 ml), administered to 10 patients, induced a significant increase in systolic blood pressure, cardiac index, stroke index, right atrial pressure, and pulmonary capillary pressure. Dobutamine (500 micrograms/min for 20 to 40 minutes), was infused in 16 patients and induced a significant increase in systolic blood pressure, cardiac index, stroke index, and heart rate. Pericardiocentesis, with extraction of 150 to 500 ml, was performed in five patients. It produced a significant increase in systolic blood pressure, cardiac index, and stroke index and a significant decrease in right atrial pressure and heart rate. The best results were obtained after pericardiocentesis. However, it must not be performed in every case because of its potential risk. Dextran and dobutamine may be sufficient in many cases to support these patients before surgery.

Hemodynamic abnormalities in acute myocardial infarction

Great strides have been made in the management of patients with acute myocardial infarction since the advent of coronary care units. However, congestive heart failure continues to be the major cause of in-hospital mortality. The accurate diagnosis and classification of hemodynamic abnormalities allow the application of specific therapies for each patient. Because clinicians can now routinely measure left and right ventricular preload, systemic and pulmonary vascular resistance, cardiac output, and arteriovenous oxygen difference, pharmacologic and surgical interventions can be applied in a scientific manner. In addition, mechanical complications can be promptly recognized and aggressively treated. Although the mortality rate for patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction after myocardial infarction remains high, expert management offers an improved prognosis for many patients.

Extracardiac left to right shunt in a patient with biventricular postinfarction rupture and pseudoaneurysm

A 68 year old man had a diaphragmatic myocardial infarction and 9 months later was admitted with severe congestive heart failure (functional class IV). Cardiac catheterization demonstrated a postinfarction pseudoaneurysm. Because of a massive left to right shunt (pulmonary to systemic flow ratio = 2.7), concomitant rupture of the ventricular septum was suspected. At surgery the pseudoaneurysm communicated with the right ventricle through two different orifices and with the left ventricle through another ostium. The ventricular septum was intact. Therefore, the shunt was extracardiac through the pseudoaneurysm (left ventricle----pseudoaneurysm----right ventricle). The unique combination of lesions allowed the patient to survive. The false aneurysm was excised and primary repair was performed in the orifices of the right and left ventricular walls. The postoperative course was uneventful and 10 months later the patient was in functional class I.

Delayed left ventricular free wall rupture complicating coronary artery bypass surgery. A case report

Rupture of the left ventricular free wall is a not uncommon life-threatening complication of acute myocardial infarction and after prosthetic mitral valve replacement. To our knowledge, no case of left ventricular rupture after coronary artery bypass surgery has been reported. A case is now described in which coronary artery bypass grafting was complicated by delayed rupture, which was successfully repaired. Different etiologic factors are discussed, but the cause considered most likely was trauma from elevation of and traction on the heart in exposure of its posterior aspect.

Subacute left ventricular free wall rupture following acute myocardial infarction: bedside hemodynamics, differential diagnosis, and treatment

Six patients with subacute left ventricular free wall rupture (anatomically proved) following acute myocardial infarction are presented. Diagnosis of cardiac rupture in every case was suspected several hours before death or surgical intervention, when clinical and hemodynamic data of cardiac tamponade were found. In three patients right atrial pressure decreased with inspiration and in the other three cases it did not show any modification. These latter three patients had associated right ventricular infarction; the abnormal respiratory behavior could be explained by restriction produced by a noncompliant right ventricle. All six patients improved initially with medical treatment (inotropics and fluid infusion) and three of them were operated upon. One of the latter patients died on the eighteenth postoperative day of extracardiac causes and two are long-term survivors.

Diagnosis and treatment of subacute free wall ventricular rupture after infarction

Ventricular rupture is usually a sudden, lethal complication after acute myocardial infarction (MI). Some patients, however, may survive several hours after ventricular rupture, and there is time for surgical repair if the diagnosis is made quickly. In 1980 and 1981, 7 patients underwent operation for ventricular rupture at our institution. Bedside hemodynamic studies with a Swan-Ganz catheter confirmed the diagnosis of pericardial tamponade. Urgent operation with cardiopulmonary bypass was performed. Control of hemorrhage was obtained by covering the ventricular tear and the surrounding infarcted myocardium with a wide Teflon patch. Four patients are alive and well 2, 3, 4, and 10 months after operation. Clinically, free wall ventricular rupture should be suspected when any patient recovering from an acute MI experiences chest pain and cardiovascular collapse. Bedside hemodynamic monitoring will confirm the diagnosis of cardiac tamponade, and urgent operation will save some of these patients.

Myocardial rupture after myocardial infarction. Detection by multi-gated image-acquisition scintigraphy

Myocardial rupture following infarction usually is an acute and dramatic event. Rarely, it may take a subacute course, allowing surgical treatment. We report herein a case of subacute rupture of the heart in a 54 year old patient with acute myocardial infarction. The rupture was diagnosed by the appearance of a radiopaque halo around the heart during radionuclide ventriculography. The patient subsequently underwent surgical resection of a large anterolateral aneurysm and a 2 inch long rupture of the myocardium and survived. Clinical suspicion, prompt diagnosis, and surgical intervention are important in the management of this relatively unusual complication of infarction.

Myocardial free-wall rupture after acute infarction: survival aided by percutaneous intraaortic balloon counterpulsation

After his first acute myocardial infarction, a 69-year-old male suffered the usually lethal complication of ventricular free-wall rupture. Early suspicion of possible rupture and immediate percutaneous insertion of an intraaortic balloon pump assist device afforded sufficient hemodynamic stability to proceed with cardiac catheterization. The diagnosis of ventricular free-wall rupture was confirmed and the extent of coronary artery disease defined. The patient underwent repair of the free-wall rupture and coronary artery bypass grafting and has returned to full activity.