Myocardial rupture in acute myocardial infarction: report of experience and review

Abstract

A review of eight cases of myocardial rupture following myocardial infarction confirmed the association of rupture with advanced age, a preponderance of females, hypertension, and physical exercise after infarction. In four patients, electrocardiograms recording the events of rupture showed further S-T elevation, supraventricular tachycardia, and conduction defects. One case of septal rupture showed increase in the amplitude of the P waves. The combination of these changes with sudden reappearance of chest pain, development or worsening of congestive cardiac failure with hypotension, and the appearance of a precordial systolic murmur should aid in the earlier diagnosis of this complication which may be amenable to surgery. Successful repair of rupture has been reported during the acute phase of infarction and after variable periods of delay.