Left ventricular fibroma masquerading as postinfarction myocardial rupture

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Cardiac Surgery
• Pathology

Background:

• Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) can lead to ventricular rupture, a life-threatening complication.
• Thrombolytic therapy is a common treatment for AMI, but carries risks.
• Left ventricular fibromas are rare, benign cardiac tumors.

Observation:

• A large left ventricular fibroma was incidentally discovered during surgery.
• The patient presented with signs suggestive of a sealed ventricular rupture post-thrombolysis.
• The fibroma's size and location mimicked a rupture site.

Findings:

• The surgical finding confirmed a large left ventricular fibroma, not a ventricular rupture.
• Histopathological analysis verified the benign nature of the cardiac tumor.
• Literature review revealed limited data on fibromas presenting as post-MI complications.

Implications:

• This case underscores the diagnostic challenges in differentiating cardiac tumors from rupture complications.
• Accurate preoperative diagnosis of cardiac masses is crucial for appropriate surgical planning.
• Awareness of rare cardiac tumors can improve patient outcomes and surgical strategies.