Left ventricular free wall rupture: clinical presentation and management

Surgical Outcome of Postinfarction Left Ventricular Free Wall Rupture

BACKGROUND

Left ventricular free wall rupture (LVFWR) is a rare and fatal complication after acute myocardial infarction. Early recognition and aggressive treatment are recommended.

METHODS

Between August 1999 and February 2023, 11 patients aged between 64 and 79 years developed LVFWR after acute myocardial infarction (mean interval, 3.5 days). Three patients had active bleeding (blowout-type LVFWR), and the other 8 patients experienced the oozing or sealed state. Eight patients were treated using a sutureless technique with Teflon felt and glue, 2 patients were treated using the primary suture closure technique, and 1 was treated using both the primary suture and the sutureless technique with Teflon felt and glue.

RESULTS

One patient died in the operating room as a result of bleeding. Cardiovascular stability and hemostasis were achieved in the other 10 patients. There were 3 early deaths (all 3 cases as a result of area bleeding; 1 was treated with primary suture, 2 with sutureless glue). Three patients received percutaneous coronary intervention before discharge. All 8 remaining patients survived and were discharged. Three patients were lost to follow-up. The follow-up period ranged from 2 to 97 months, with 4 patients exhibiting New York Heart Association class I symptoms and 1 exhibiting New York Heart Association class II symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Optimal surgical treatment for postinfarction LVFWR remains controversial. The sutureless technique may be a promising strategy for treating postinfarction LVFWR.

Cardiac rupture during acute myocardial infarction : Autopsy study (2004-2020)

INTRODUCTION

Cardiac rupture is a rare but critical complication of myocardial infarction with an incidence of 1 to 3% of cases. We aimed in this autopsy study to analyze the anatomical, epidemiological, cardiac, and coronary profiles of cardiac rupture in the Monastir region.

METHODS

We conducted a descriptive study with retrospective data collection of all cases of myocardial infarction complicated by a cardiac rupture over seventeen years (2004-2020).

RESULTS

Thirty-one cases were included in this study. The mean age of the cases was 67 years with a male predominance. Sixteen cases (57%) had cardiovascular risk factors. The most common symptomatology reported before death was acute chest pain in 57% of cases. Fourteen cases (45%) corresponded to the definition of sudden cardiac death. At autopsy, the heart had a mean weight of 452.78 grams. A large hemopericardium was associated in 90% of cases. Myocardial rupture involved the posterior wall of the left ventricle in 50% of cases. The myocardial rupture occurred at a site of acute myocardial infarction in 86% of cases and on a myocardial scar in 14% of cases. The coronary study showed double or triple vessel atherosclerotic coronary artery disease in 57% of cases with fresh thrombi at the infarct-related coronary in 11% of cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Our analysis found that cardiac rupture mostly involved elderly subjects with underlying cardiovascular risk factors. Our findings sustain that age is a determining prognostic factor after acute coronary syndrome with the need for further education and awareness-raising efforts to speed up access to care for these patients.

Role of CT and MRI in Cardiac Emergencies

Current strategies for the evaluation of patients with chest pain have significantly changed thanks to the implemented potentiality of CT and MRI. The possible fatal consequences and high malpractice costs of missed acute coronary syndromes lead to unnecessary hospital admissions every year. CT provides consistent diagnostic support, mainly in suspected coronary disease in patients with a low or intermediate pre-test risk. Moreover, it can gain information in the case of cardiac involvement in pulmonary vascular obstructive disease. MRI, on the other hand, has a leading role in the condition of myocardial damage irrespective of the underlying inflammatory or stress related etiology. This article discusses how radiology techniques (CT and MRI) can impact the diagnostic workflow of the most common cardiac and vascular pathologies that are responsible for non-traumatic chest pain admissions to the Emergency Department.

Diagnosis of post-myocardial infarction left ventricular rupture on CT

Myocardial rupture is often a catastrophic complication of acute myocardial infarction. Diagnosis can be challenging in the critically unwell patient. We present the case of a 70-year-old female who collapsed in the community with pulseless electrical activity, in cardiac arrest. She was transferred emergently to hospital where early resuscitation efforts were suggestive of a posterior myocardial infarct and severe blood loss. Point-of-care cardiac ultrasound demonstrated pericardial effusion but could not rule out aortic dissection. The patient underwent CT imaging with intravenous contrast which revealed left ventricular rupture secondary to the infarction. CT imaging can be a valuable diagnostic adjunct in patients with suspected post-infarction myocardial rupture.

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.

Meta-analysis of surgical treatment for postinfarction left ventricular free-wall rupture

Background

Left ventricular free‐wall rupture (LVFWR) is one of the most lethal complications after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The optimal therapeutic strategy is controversial. The current meta‐analysis sought to examine the outcome of patients surgically treated for post‐AMI LVFWR.

Methods

A comprehensive literature review was performed to identify articles reporting outcomes of subjects who underwent LVFWR surgical repair. The primary endpoint was operative mortality. A meta‐analysis was performed to assess the associations of predefined variables of interest and clinical prognosis.

Results

Of the 3132 retrieved articles, 11 nonrandomized studies, enrolling a total of 363 patients, fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in this analysis. The mean age of patients was 68 years. The operative mortality rate was 32% (n = 115). Meta‐analysis revealed reduced operative risk in patients with oozing type rupture, as compared to blowout type (risk ratios [RR]: 0.47; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.33–0.67; p < .0001); RR was also significantly reduced in subjects in whom LVFWR was treated with sutureless technique, as compared to those undergoing sutured repair (RR: 0.59; 95% CI: 0.41–0.83; p = .002). Increased risk of operative mortality was demonstrated in patients who required postoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support (RR: 2.39; 95% CI: 1.59–3.60; p < .0001).

Conclusions

Surgical treatment of postinfarction LVFWR has a high operative mortality rate. Blowout rupture, sutured repair and postoperative ECMO support are factors associated with increased risk of operative mortality.

Mechanical Complications of Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Review

Importance

Mechanical complications of acute myocardial infarction include left ventricular free-wall rupture, ventricular septal rupture, papillary muscle rupture, pseudoaneurysm, and true aneurysm. With the introduction of early reperfusion therapies, these complications now occur in fewer than 0.1% of patients following an acute myocardial infarction. However, mortality rates have not decreased in parallel, and mechanical complications remain an important determinant of outcomes after myocardial infarction. Early diagnosis and management are crucial to improving outcomes and require an understanding of the clinical findings that should raise suspicion of mechanical complications and the evolving surgical and percutaneous treatment options.

Observations

Mechanical complications most commonly occur within the first week after myocardial infarction. Cardiogenic shock or acute pulmonary edema are frequent presentations. Echocardiography is usually the first test used to identify the type, location, and hemodynamic consequences of the mechanical complication. Hemodynamic stabilization often requires a combination of medical therapy and mechanical circulatory support. Surgery is the definitive treatment, but the optimal timing remains unclear. Percutaneous therapies are emerging as an alternative treatment option for patients at prohibitive surgical risk.

Conclusions and Relevance

Mechanical complications present with acute and dramatic hemodynamic deterioration requiring rapid stabilization. Heart team involvement is required to determine appropriate management strategies for patients with mechanical complications after acute myocardial infarction.

Subepicardial aneurysm with free wall rupture and its successful surgical intervention: a case report

Background

Subepicardial aneurysm (SEA) is an uncommon but potentially fatal complication of acute myocardial infarction (MI) associated with an increased risk of free wall rupture (FWR) leading to sudden death. We describe a rare case of a silent myocardial infarction complicated by SEA and subsequent FWR, resulting in cardiac tamponade.

Case summary

A 68-year-old man with no previous chest symptoms presented with syncope. Cardiac computed tomography incidentally revealed a small aneurysmal cavity at the inferolateral wall of the left ventricle, which was overlooked on initial transthoracic echocardiography. Coronary angiography demonstrated a narrowed first obtuse marginal branch with coronary slow flow, suggesting that spontaneous recanalization of the occluded obtuse marginal branch induced SEA and subsequent FWR. The patient underwent an emergency left ventricular aneurysm repair. The post-operative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged from the hospital on post-operative day 20.

Discussion

This case emphasizes the importance of prompt detection and surgical intervention for SEA. Subepicardial aneurysm should be suspected in patients with pericardial effusion and suspected MI. Cardiac computed tomography is not only useful in the detection of such cases but also facilitates the development of a successful surgical strategy.

Current Role of Computed Tomography in the Evaluation of Acute Coronary Syndrome

This review article provides an overview regarding the role of computed tomography (CT) in the evaluation of acute chest pain (ACP) in the emergency department (ED), focusing on characteristic CT findings.

Clinical and echocardiographic predictors of left ventricular remodeling following anterior acute myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVES

Coronary artery disease is the primary cause of death and is responsible for a high number of hospitalizations worldwide. Ventricular remodeling is associated with worse prognosis following ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and is a risk factor for ventricular dysfunction and heart failure. This study aimed to identify the predictors of ventricular remodeling following STEMI. Additionally, we evaluated the clinical, laboratory, and echocardiographic characteristics of patients with anterior wall STEMI who underwent primary percutaneous intervention in the acute phase and at 6 months after the infarction.

METHODS

This prospective, observational, and longitudinal study included 50 patients with anterior wall STEMI who were admitted to the coronary care unit (CCU) of a tertiary hospital in Brazil between July 2017 and August 2018. During the CCU stay, patients were evaluated daily and underwent echocardiogram within the first three days following STEMI. After six months, the patients underwent clinical evaluation and echocardiogram according to the local protocol.

RESULTS

Differences were noted between those who developed ventricular remodeling and those who did not in the mean±standard deviation levels of creatine phosphokinase MB isoenzyme (CKMB) peak (no remodeling group: 323.7±228.2 U/L; remodeling group: 522.4±201.6 U/L; p=0.008) and the median and interquartile range of E/E' ratio (no remodeling group: 9.20 [8.50-11.25] and remodeling group: 12.60 [10.74-14.40]; p=0.004). This difference was also observed in multivariate logistic regression.

CONCLUSIONS

Diastolic dysfunction and CKMB peak in the acute phase of STEMI can be predictors of ventricular remodeling following STEMI.

Rare survival of left ventricular free wall rupture following myocardial infarction

Myocardial free wall rupture is a rare but usually fatal complication of acute myocardial infarction (MI) especially if it occurs out of hospital and occurs in 2-4% of patients who suffer from acute MI. Rapid diagnosis is essential but not always easy as diagnostic tests may be inconclusive. In this case report authors examine a rare and unique patient survival after left ventricular free wall rupture following MI. The patient developed chest pain and hypotension in the hospital and was taken directly to the catheterization laboratory where a diagnostic angiogram showed a high-grade occlusion of a very small marginal branch, fluoroscopy demonstrated a large pericardial effusion, which was drained then auto transfused back to the patient using a femoral vein sheath. Rapid diagnostic testing including transesophageal echocardiography with Definity, transthoracic echocardiography, aortography and left ventriculography were all negative for dissection and rupture. Despite the negative diagnostic test, a high index of suspicion for rupture led to urgent surgical exploration where a large 4-cm hole was found in the lateral wall. Repair was successful and the patient left the hospital about several weeks later.

Cardiac Lymphoma Presenting with Recurrent STEMI

The incidence of primary cardiac tumors is exceedingly rare, whereas secondary cardiac tumors are more common in the global population. Cardiac involvement is seen in approximately 18% of patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma at the time of autopsy. Clinical manifestations of cardiac involvement are subtle and often go unrecognized until advanced stages of the disease. We present a rare case of metastatic cardiac lymphoma that presented as an ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction complicated by left ventricular free wall rupture and cardiogenic shock due to transmural myocardial necrosis from malignant cell infiltration.

Subacute Left Ventricular Free Wall Rupture after Delayed STEMI Presentation During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is causing delayed ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) presentations associated with now unusual postinfarction complications. We describe a delayed (5-day) STEMI presentation because the patient feared contracting COVID-19 in the hospital. The patient experienced an extensive anterolateral STEMI complicated by subacute left ventricular free wall rupture that required a rapid surgical repair. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.).

Left ventricular rupture: a rare complication and an unusual presentation

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a relatively common medical condition in the community. A rare complication of acute MI is left ventricular rupture (LV) rupture. This usually follows a transmural infarct. The incidence of this is 2%-4% and this usually happens within 3-7 days of MI. The anterolateral wall is involved in the majority of cases. Atypical presentations can occur several weeks after the initial event. Symptoms may mimic gastrointestinal disorder. The prognosis of this condition is very grim. However, with appropriate treatment, they can make an excellent recovery. The definitive treatment for this is surgical repair. We present the case of a 70-year-old man who had LV rupture and his clinical journey.

Employing Amplatzer Occluder® in Cardiac Free Wall Rupture Repair: A Scoping Study

Cardiac free wall rupture (CFWR) is an uncommon complication of myocardial infarction, cardiac-based procedures, and blunt chest trauma. Cardiac tamponade and shock which occurs as a result of CFWR results in a high mortality rate. Despite the high mortality rate, there is a window of opportunity for intervention in selected patients with acute or subacute free wall rupture. Hence, prompt diagnosis and intervention are key to prevent cardiac tamponade and death. Even though emergency surgical repair is the standard treatment for the CWFR, the catheter-based procedure has provided an alternative treatment option, especially, in the high-risk surgical patients. For instance, Amplatzer occluder® (AO), a device which is used in repairing congenital septal swall defect, is being used as an alternative method of treatment in CFWR. In this systemic review, we assessed the 19 cases of CFWR occurring after invasive cardiac procedures who underwent repair with the utilization of AO®. The study shows that the successful rate of percutaneous closure of CFWR was 84.3% (16/19) with a mortality rate of 15.7% (3/19) in this cohort. Therefore, the in-hospital mortality rate of CFWR closure is comparable with the average in-house mortality rate of emergency surgical repair which is 14%. Furthermore, we found that AO® placement technique has a lower mortality rate compared to the other less-invasive methods such as percutaneous intrapericardial fibrin-glue injection which has a mortality rate of 25%. In conclusion, employing AO® in CFWR repair not only serves as the treatment of choice in the high-risk surgical candidates but could also be applied as an alternative method in the general population. However, further studies are required to assess the outcome and mortality rate of using A® in CFWR to provide us with a more consistent and accurate data.

Left ventricular free wall rupture in myocardial infarction: A retrospective analysis from a single tertiary center

Objective

Left ventricular free wall rupture (LVFWR) is a rare but severe complication of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). During the era of pre-thrombolysis, autopsies revealed an incidence of approximately 8%.

Method

The objective of this retrospective study was to analyze the current incidence of LVFWR and to identify predictors by comparing the AMI-cohort with LVFWR to those without. The control group involved a random selection of one in every ten patients who presented with acute myocardial infarction between 2005 and 2014.

Result

A total of 5143 patients with AMI were treated at the Central Hospital, Bad Berka (71% men, median age 68 years). Out of these, seven patients with LVFWR were identified with an overall incidence of 0.14%. Clinically, LVFWR patients presented late to admission since symptom onset (median 24 h vs. 6.1 h; p < 0.0001), were more likely in cardiogenic shock (28.6% vs. 3.2%; p = 0.02) and were usually accompanied by emergency physicians (71.4% vs. 20.7%; p = 0.006). Higher troponin T (median 8.6 vs. 0.5 ng/ml; p < 0.0002), higher CRP (median 50 vs. 0.5 mg/l; p = 0.05) as well as a lower hematocrit-values (0.33 vs. 0.42; p = 0.04) were observed. All LVFWR patients were operated (100% vs. 1.6%; p < 0.001). The patients had lower rates of beta-blocker treatment (57.1% vs. 95.8%; p = 0.003). The 30-day mortality was significantly higher (42.9% vs. 6.8%; p = 0.01).

Conclusion

Compared to the thrombolytic era, the current incidence of LVFWR with AMI, who reach the hospital alive, is significantly lower. However, 30-day mortality continues to be high.

Fatal Right Ventricular Free Wall Rupture During Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Inferior Acute Myocardial Infarction

Patient: Female, 76

Final Diagnosis: Right ventricular free wall rupture

Symptoms: Chest pain

Medication: —

Clinical Procedure: Echocardiography

Specialty: Cardiology

Clinical characteristics and protective factors in patients with acute myocardial infarction undergoing in-hospital myocardial free wall rupture: a single-center, retrospective analysis

Myocardial free wall rupture (MFWR) refers to laceration of the heart ventricle or atria, which is a rare but fatal complication of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). In this study, we aim to identify the clinical characteristics and protective factors of free wall rupture after myocardial infarction. This is a single-center, retrospective observational analysis. The study screened all patients admitted to the cardiology department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University between January 2013 and April 2018. The biochemical, clinical, angiographic and echocardiographic features of these patients were then collected and analyzed. Among the 5946 screened patients with AMI, 23 patients with a diagnosis of MFWR after AMI were enrolled in the present study. 18 (78.3%) patients were diagnosed with acute ST segment elevated myocardial infarction and the remaining 5 (21.7%) have acute non-ST segment elevated myocardial infarction. Early-phase MFWR happened in 12 (52.2%) and late-phase accounted for 8 (34.8%) in total. Late-phase MFWR had lower left ventricle ejection fraction value (45.8%±5.6% vs 63.0±3.8%, p<0.001) as compared with early-phase. Patients who survived from MFWR has higher ACE inhibitor/angiotensin II receptor blocker (ACEI/ARB) and β-blocker coverage in the in-hospital treatment of AMI (ACEI/ARB: 100.0% vs 35.3%, p=0.014; β-blocker: 100.0% vs 47.1%, p=0.048). The present study provides evidence for better understanding of the clinical characteristics and protective functions in MFWR after AMI. Reduced cardiac function is correlated with higher incidence of later phase free wall rupture. Higher ACEI/ARB and β-blocker coverage in the AMI treatment strategy is associated with lower MFWR incidence.

Acute Myocardial Infarct

This article reviews the imaging manifestations of acute myocardial infarction (MI) on computed tomography (CT) accompanied by case examples and illustrations. This is preceded by a review of the pathophysiology of MI (acute and chronic), a summary of its clinical presentation, and a brief synopsis of the technical aspects of cardiac CT. Several examples of the appearance of acute MI and its complications are shown on routine and cardiac tailored CT, and a sample of the latest advances in imaging technique, including dual-energy CT, are introduced.

Mouse Mast Cell Protease 4 Deletion Protects Heart Function and Survival After Permanent Myocardial Infarction

Chymase, a mast cell serine protease involved in the generation of multiple cardiovascular factors, such as angiotensin II and endothelin-1 (ET-1), is elevated and participates in tissue degeneration after permanent myocardial infarction (PMI). Anesthetized 4-month old male wild-type (WT) C57BL/6J mice and mouse mast cell protease-4 knockout (mMCP-4 KO) congeners were subjected to ligation of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery. A group of mice was then subjected to Kaplan-Meier 28-day survival analysis. In another group of mice, ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET) was performed to evaluate heart function and the infarcted zone 3 days post-PMI surgery. Cardiac morphology following PMI was evaluated on formalin-fixed heart slices and glycoproteomic analysis was performed using mass spectrometry. Finally, cardiac and lung tissue content of immunoreactive ET-1 was determined. PMI caused 60% mortality in WT mice, due to left ventricular wall rupture, and 7% in mMCP-4 KO mice. Cardiac PET analysis revealed a significant reduction in left ventricular volume (systolic and diastolic) and preserved the ejection fraction in mMCP-4 KO compared to WT animals. The infarcted area, apoptotic signaling and wall remodeling were significantly decreased in mMCP-4 KO mice compared to their WT congeners, while collagen deposition was increased. Glycoproteomic analysis showed an increase in apolipoprotein A1, an established chymase substrate in mMCP-4 KO mice compared to WT mice post-PMI. ET-1 levels were increased in the lungs of WT, but not mMCP-4 KO mice, 24 h post-PMI. Thus, the genetic deletion of mMCP-4 improved survival and heart function post-PMI.

Successful emergent repair of a subacute left ventricular free wall rupture after acute inferoposterolateral myocardial infarction

Background

Myocardial rupture is an important and catastrophic complication of acute myocardial infarction. A dramatic form of this complication is a left ventricular free wall rupture (LVFWR).

Case presentation

A 70-year-old man with acute inferoposterolateral myocardial infarction and single-vessel coronary artery disease underwent emergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The circumflex coronary artery was successfully stented with a drug-eluting stent. Fifty days after PCI the patient experienced progressive fatigue and chest pain with haemodynamic instability. Transthoracic echocardiography showed a covered LVFWR of the lateral wall. The patient underwent successful emergent surgical repair of the LVFWR.

Conclusions

In the current era of swift PCI, mechanical complications of acute myocardial infarction, such as LVFWR, are rare. The consequences, however, are haemodynamic deterioration and imminent death. This rare diagnosis should always be considered when new cardiovascular symptoms or haemodynamic instability develop after myocardial infarction, even beyond one month after the initial event. Timely diagnosis and emergency surgery are required for successful treatment of this devastating complication.

Rupture of the myocardium in autopsied MI hearts

Although myocardial rupture occurs in only 2% to 4% of cases of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), there is a high mortality rate due to acute cardiogenic shock. We present the anatomopathological findings of three cases of myocardial rupture in autopsied hearts in the last 30 years, with a diagnosis of cardiac rupture in acute myocardial infarction. In these 30 years the percentage of AMI with myocardial rupture was 0.2%. Risk factors for post-AMI myocardial rupture include older age, atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus and systemic arterial hypertension.

Management of Left Ventricular Free Wall Rupture Associated with Acute Myocardial Infarction

Left ventricular free wall rupture is one of the mechanical complications of acute myocardial infarction and it may result in cardiac tamponade as well as limiting itself by forming a pseudoaneurysm. In this report, a case of left ventricular free wall rupture and pseudoaneurysm that developed during the course of posterior myocardial infarction has been presented. Left ventricular free wall rupture and pseudoaneurysm were identified by three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography and surgically repaired at a late stage.

Healing a Broken Heart: a Case Report of Left Ventricular Free Wall Rupture and Review of the Literature

The occurrence of left ventricular free wall rupture in acute myocardial infarction decreased with the extent of interventional procedures of reperfusion, but it is still encountered in 1-2% of these patients. We are presenting the case of a 58 years old male with left ventricular free wall rupture occurred as a late complication of an inferior-lateral ST-elevated myocardial infarction. The aim of this case report is to underline the main clinical features, the diagnostic value of the echocardiographic exam and the importance of early surgical intervention in a rare, but very dangerous condition, with persistent high mortality rates. In this context, we will review the current prevalence, clinical forms and prediction factors of left ventricular free wall rupture.

Teflon-buttressed sutures plus pericardium patch repair left ventricular rupture caused by radiofrequency catheter ablation: A case report

BACKGROUND

Cardiac rupture often occurs after myocardial infarction or chest trauma with a high mortality rate. However, left ventricular rupture caused by radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) is extremely rare.

METHODS

We describe a case of a 61-year-old male who survived from left ventricular rupture caused by a RFCA procedure for frequent ventricular premature contractions. Surgical exploration with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) was performed when the signs of cardiac tamponade developed 7 hours after the ablation surgery.

RESULTS

Teflon-buttressed sutures of the tear in the left ventricular posterolateral wall and pericardium patch applied to the contusion region on the wall repaired the rupture safely and effectively.

CONCLUSION

Timely surgical intervention under CPB facilitated the survival of the patient. Teflon-buttressed sutures plus pericardium patch achieved the successful repair of the rupture.

Cardiothoracic surgical emergencies in the intensive care unit

Patients with cardiothoracic surgical emergencies are frequently admitted to the ICU, either prior to operative intervention or after surgery. Recognition and appropriate timing of operative intervention are key factors in improving outcomes. A collaborative team approach with the cardiothoracic service is imperative in managing this patient population.

Early left ventricular free-wall rupture in non-STEMI never to be neglected

As the most dramatic and fatal complication, left ventricular free-wall rupture (LVFWR) used to present in approximately 3% of patients with acute myocardial infarction. After the introduction of primary percutaneous coronary intervention, the incidence of LVFWR decreased but remained approximately 1.7%. Left ventricular free-wall rupture occurs in patients with transmural myocardial infarction, which is almost exclusively ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). This condition carries a high mortality as a result of hemopericardium and cardiac tamponade. Left ventricular free-wall rupture rarely occurs in patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction, but the risk of it cannot be ignored. This case describes early development LVFWR after non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction to evoke high vigilance of clinicians to this condition.

Off-pump repair of a post myocardial infarction ventricular septal defect

Refractory cardiogenic shock meant that traditional patch repairs requiring cardiopulmonary bypass would be poorly tolerated and external sandwich closure of post myocardial ventricular septal defect (VSD) appears to be simple and effective after initial myocardial infarction (MI). The three cases presented with a VSD after of acute MI with or without thrombolysed with streptokinase during patient admission. The general condition of the three patients was poor with pulmonary edema, low cardiac output and renal failure. The heart was approached through a median sternotomy. Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting of the coronary artery lesion was done first using octopus and beating heart surgery method and latero - lateral septal plication was performed using sandwich technique. Low cardiac output managed with intra-aortic balloon pump in these patients accompanied with inotropic drugs. Post-operative transesophageal echocardiography revealed that VSD was closed completely in one patient and in two patients small residual VSD remained. More experience is required to ascertain whether this technique will become an accepted alternative to patch repairs.

Triple cardiac rupture

Left ventricular free wall rupture and acute ischaemic mitral regurgitation are nowadays rare, but still potentially lethal mechanical complications after acute myocardial infarction. We report a case of a sequential left ventricular free wall rupture, anterolateral papillary muscle disruption, secondary severe mitral regurgitation and subsequent posteromedial papillary muscle head rupture in a single patient during the same ischaemic episode after myocardial infarction, and their related successful surgical procedures and management until discharge. Prompt bedside diagnosis and emergent consecutive surgical procedures, as well as temporary left ventricular assistance, were crucial in the survival of this patient.

MR imaging of myocardial infarction

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging plays an important role in evaluation of various aspects of myocardial infarction (MI). MR imaging is useful in establishing the diagnosis of acute MI, particularly in patients who present with symptoms of MI but outside the diagnostic time frame of altered cardiac enzyme levels or with clinical features of acute MI but without an angiographic culprit lesion. MR imaging is valuable in establishing a diagnosis of chronic MI and distinguishing this condition from nonischemic cardiomyopathies, mainly through use of delayed-enhancement patterns. MR imaging also provides clinicians with several prognostic indicators that enable risk stratification, such as scar burden, microvascular obstruction, hemorrhage, and peri-infarct ischemia. The extent and transmurality of scar burden have been shown to have independent and incremental prognostic power over a range of left ventricular function. The extent of scarring at MR imaging is an important predictor of successful outcome after revascularization procedures, and extensive scarring in the lateral wall indicates poor outcome after cardiac resynchronization therapy. Scar size at MR imaging is also a useful surrogate end point in clinical trials. Finally, MR imaging can be used to detect complications of MI, such as aneurysms, pericarditis, ventricular septal defect, thrombus, and mitral regurgitation. Supplemental material available at http://radiographics.rsna.org/lookup/suppl/doi:10.1148/rg.335125722/-/DC1.

Successful therapy of ventricular rupture by percutaneous intrapericardial instillation of fibrin glue: a case report

Rupture of the ventricular myocardium is an often lethal complication after myocardial infarction. Due to the dramatic hemodynamics and the short time frame between ventricular rupture and surgical closure of the defect, additional therapeutic strategies are needed. Here we report the successful therapy of ventricular rupture by percutaneous intrapericardial instillation of fibrin glue in a 72-year-old male patient with postinfarct angina secondary to anterior myocardial infarction.

Clinical manifestation of early phase left ventricular rupture complicating acute myocardial infarction in the primary PCI era

OBJECTIVE

Before reperfusion therapy was introduced, the incidence of ventricular septal and left ventricular free wall rupture complicating acute myocardial infarction (AMI) was 1-3%. Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was expected to reduce the incidence of such mechanical complications.

METHODS

We retrospectively analysed 1290 AMI patients referred to our institute from January 2005 to January 2011. Primary PCI was done in 1002 cases of the study patients (77.7%).

RESULTS

Ventricular septal rupture (VSR) occurred in 19 cases (1.5%) and left ventricular free wall rupture (LVFR) in 17 cases (1.3%). Mean observation periods from onset to VSR and LVFR were 2.6 days. We demonstrated that risk factors for LV rupture were advanced age, female sex, absence of history of angina or myocardial infarction, lack of previous PCI, and absence of previous hypertension. Coronary angiography revealed that the culprit lesions of the left anterior descending artery or single vessel disease were the risk factors for LV rupture. Furthermore, in the present observation, 9 patients (47.4%) with VSR and 8 patients (47.1%) with LVFR developed LV rupture within 24h after symptoms onset (early rupture). The early rupture demonstrated extremely poor outcome compared with late rupture (in-hospital mortality was 88.2% in early rupture and 63.1% in late rupture).

CONCLUSION

Even in the patients' cohort with higher prevalence of primary PCI, LV rupture cases were not decreased in contrast to our expectations. More attention should be paid to early LV rupture cases within 24 h from symptom onset in those cases.

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9: a proximal biomarker for cardiac remodeling and a distal biomarker for inflammation

Adverse cardiac remodeling following myocardial infarction (MI) remains a significant cause of congestive heart failure. Additional and novel strategies that improve our ability to predict, diagnose, or treat remodeling are needed. Numerous groups have explored single and multiple biomarker strategies to identify diagnostic prognosticators of remodeling progression, which will improve our ability to promptly and accurately identify high-risk individuals. The identification of better clinical indicators should further lead to more effective prediction and timely treatment. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-9) is one potential biomarker for cardiac remodeling, as demonstrated by both animal models and clinical studies. In animal MI models, MMP-9 expression significantly increases and is linked with inflammation, diabetic microvascular complications, extracellular matrix degradation and synthesis, and cardiac dysfunction. Clinical studies have also established a relationship between MMP-9 and post-MI remodeling and mortality, making MMP-9 a viable candidate to add to the multiple biomarker list. By definition, a proximal biomarker shows a close relationship with its target disease, whereas a distal biomarker exhibits non-targeted disease modifying outcomes. In this review, we explore the ability of MMP-9 to serve as a proximal biomarker for cardiac remodeling and a distal biomarker for inflammation. We summarize the current molecular basis and clinical platform that allow us to include MMP-9 as a biomarker in both categories.

Adjuvant Role of CT in the Diagnosis of Post-Infarction Left Ventricular Free-Wall Rupture

Left ventricular free wall rupture is usually a catastrophic mechanical complication of myocardial infarction. Risk factors include advanced age, female gender and absence of prior infarction. The vast majority of patients succumb rapidly due to cardiac tamponade and electromechanical dissociation. Expedited and accurate diagnosis can improve the chances of survival. Echocardiography has been advocated as the gold standard for diagnosis, but other imaging modalities can provide valuable information in these patients. We present the case of a patient who presented with cardiogenic shock, in which the definitive diagnosis of a left ventricular free wall rupture was accomplished by CT scan with intravenous contrast.

An unusual case of left ventricular free wall rupture caused by a silent myocardial infarction

Left ventricular free wall rupture (LVFWR) is a serious complication of myocardial infarction. It presents with a very high mortality rate and can be rescued by accurate diagnosis and emergency surgery. LVFWR can occur with sudden overt clinical symptoms or present insidiously. This report highlights the case of a man with no prior history of coronary artery disease, who presented with LVFWR and pericardial effusion that evolved to severe bacterial pericarditis.

Post myocardial infarction cardiogenic shock: a review of current therapies

Cardiogenic shock is often a devastating consequence of acute myocardial infarction (MI) and portends to significant mortality and morbidity. Despite improvements in expediting the time to treatment and enhancements in available medical therapy and reperfusion techniques, cardiogenic shock remains the most common cause of mortality following MI. Post-MI cardiogenic shock most commonly occurs as a consequence of severe left ventricular dysfunction. Right ventricular (RV) MI must also be considered. Mechanical complications including acute mitral regurgitation, ventricular septal rupture, and ventricular free-wall rupture can also lead to cardiogenic shock. Rapid diagnosis of cardiogenic shock and its underlying cause is pivotal to delivering definitive therapy. Intravenous vasoactive agents and mechanical support devices may temporize the patient's hemodynamic status until definitive therapy by percutaneous or surgical intervention can be performed. Despite prompt management, post-MI cardiogenic shock mortality remains high.

Administration of intrapericardial tissue adhesive after cardiac rupture and cardiac tamponade

OBJECTIVE

To describe a series of patients treated with intrapericardial glue.

DESIGN

Case reports. Descriptive study.

PATIENTS

We describe the results obtained using the injection of a surgical intrapericardial adhesive in 19 patients who presented cardiac tamponade and shock after cardiac rupture. The technique was done using puncture and echocardiographic subxiphoid control. At the one-year follow-up, 5 patients had survived, with neither pseudoaneurysms nor constriction. One patient was injected with said adhesive in the right ventricular cavity.

CONCLUSIONS

Pericardial drainage, followed by the administration of intrapericardial glue may be an attractive technique. This technique should be studied for its possible utility when faced with surgical impossibility.

Early activation of matrix metalloproteinases underlies the exacerbated systolic and diastolic dysfunction in mice lacking TIMP3 following myocardial infarction

Extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling is a critical aspect of cardiac remodeling following myocardial infarction. Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) are physiological inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that degrade the ECM proteins. TIMP3 is highly expressed in the heart, and is markedly downregulated in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy. We therefore examined the time- and region-dependent role of TIMP3 in the cardiac response to myocardial infarction (MI). TIMP3(-/-) and wild-type (WT) mice were subjected to MI by ligation of the left anterior descending artery. TIMP3(-/-)-MI mice exhibited a significantly compromised rate of survival compared with WT-MI mice, primarily due to increased left ventricular (LV) rupture, greater infarct expansion, exacerbated LV dilation, and greater systolic and diastolic dysfunction. Second harmonic generation imaging of unfixed and unstained hearts revealed greater collagen disarray and reduced density in the TIMP3(-/-) infarct myocardium compared with the WT group. Gelatinolytic and collagenolytic activities increased in TIMP3(-/-) compared with WT hearts at 1 day post-MI but not at 3 days or 1 wk post-MI. Neutrophil infiltration and inflammatory MMPs were significantly increased in the infarct and peri-infarct regions of TIMP3(-/-)-MI hearts. Treatment of TIMP3(-/-) mice with a broad-spectrum MMP inhibitor (PD-166793) for 2 days before and 2 days after MI markedly improved post-MI infarct expansion, LV rupture incident, LV dilation, and systolic dysfunction in these mice up to 1 wk post-MI. Our data demonstrate that the initial rise in proteolytic activities early post-MI is a triggering factor for subsequent LV adverse remodeling, LV rupture, and dilated cardiomyopathy. Hence, timing of treatments to improve cardiac response to MI may be critical in producing favorable outcome.

Cardiac rupture after myocardial infarction: new insights from murine models

Cardiac rupture after a myocardial infarction is an uncommon event with devastating consequences. Although the clinical features of rupture have been described, the genetic and molecular influences on this outcome in patients are less certain. In mice, at least 17 genetic models have been developed that enhance or suppress the likelihood of rupture postmyocardial infarction. The purpose of this review is to describe these recent advances, recognizing that nearly all of the information has been obtained from mouse models of free wall rupture. Although it is probable that the same genetic determinants apply to septal and papillary muscle rupture, the possibility remains that there are unique modulators of risk for rupture at differing anatomic sites within the heart. It is likely that the candidate genes also influence rupture in humans, although this conclusion must be confirmed. The mouse models will be helpful to direct future proteomic and genomic studies in patients and may already suggest certain fundamental pathways. For example, the essential role of collagen production and stabilization postmyocardial infarction may direct therapies to enhance collagen cross-linking and limit its degradation as a strategy to reduce rates of rupture and enhance myocardial healing.

Age-related differences in postinfarct left ventricular rupture and remodeling

Cardiac rupture is more prevalent in elderly patients with first onset of acute myocardial infarct (MI), but the mechanism remains unexplored. We investigated the differences in the incidence of cardiac rupture and early left ventricular (LV) remodeling following coronary artery ligation between old (12-mo) and young (3-mo) C57Bl/6 male mice and explored responsible mechanisms. The incidence of rupture within 1 wk after MI was significantly higher in old than in young mice (40.7 vs. 18.3%, P = 0.013) despite a similar infarct size in both age groups. Old mice dying of rupture had more severe infarct expansion than young counterparts. Echocardiography and catheterization at day 7 revealed more profound LV chamber dilatation and dysfunction as well as higher blood pressures in aged mice. At day 3 after MI immediately before the peak of rupture occurrence, we observed significantly higher content of type I and III collagen, a greater density of macrophage and neutrophil, and markedly enhanced mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines in the infarcted myocardium in old than in young mice. Furthermore, a more dramatic increment of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 activity was found in old than in young infarcted hearts, in keeping with enhanced inflammatory response. Collectively, these results revealed that old mice had a higher risk of post-MI cardiac rupture despite a higher level of collagen content and cross-linking. Enhanced inflammatory response and subsequent increase in MMP-9 activity together with higher blood pressure are important factors responsible for the higher risk of cardiac rupture and more severe LV remodeling in the aged heart following acute MI.

Augmented healing process in female mice with acute myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

It is well established that premenopausal women are protected from cardiovascular disease. This gender difference in favor of females is also demonstrated in animal studies. Our research group previously found that female mice had much lower incidence of cardiac rupture and mortality than did males during the acute phase of myocardial infarction (MI); however, the mechanisms responsible for such protection are not fully understood.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine whether the favorable cardiac effect observed in female mice with MI is due to an augmented healing process that includes less inflammation, reduced matrix degradation, and enhanced neovascularization.

METHODS

Twelve-week-old male and female C57BL/6J mice were subjected to MI by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery and then euthanized at 1, 4, 7, or 14 days post-MI. Inflammatory cell infiltration and myofibroblast transformation, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 activity, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-I expression, and neovascularization were examined by immunohistochemistry, zymography, Western blot, and laser scanning confocal microscopy, respectively. Cardiac function was evaluated by echocardiography on day 14.

RESULTS

We found that: (1) neutrophil infiltration during the early phase of MI (1-4 days) was much lower in females than in males and was associated with lower MMP-9 activity and higher TIMP-1 protein expression, indicating less-exaggerated inflammation and extracellular matrix degradation in females; (2) myofibroblast transformation, as indicated by expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin, was significantly greater in females than in males at day 7 of MI (P<0.05), indicating facilitated collagen deposition and scar formation; and (3) neovascularization (vascular area in the infarct border) was markedly increased in females, and was associated with better preserved cardiac function and less left ventricular dilatation.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that less-exaggerated early inflammation and augmented reparative fibrotic response, indicated by enhanced myofibroblast transformation, may contribute greatly to low rupture rates in females during the acute and subacute phases of MI, whereas enhanced neovascularization may lead to better preserved cardiac function post-MI.