Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026
Implantation of hiPSC-derived Cardiac-muscle Patches after Myocardial Injury in a Guinea Pig Model
Published on: March 18, 2019
[Surgery of post myocardial infarction papillary muscle rupture]
Ricardo Zalaquett S1, Fernando Cartajena de la M, Pedro Becker R
1Departamento de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago de Chile. rzalaque@med.ppuc.cl
Background:
Papillary muscle rupture is a serious complication of myocardial infarction whose only treatment is surgery.
Aim:
To analyze our most recent surgical experience with papillary muscle rupture.
Patients And Methods:
The database of our Service was reviewed for the period 1995-2005, to identify patients with papillary muscle rupture. Then, the clinical records and operating protocols were analyzed. Survival and functional class of patients were assessed.
Results:
Twelve patients (7 men), aged 52 to 89 years, had papillary muscle rupture. They represented 2.2% of all mitral procedures for mitral insufficiency and 8.8% of mitral surgeries for ischemic mitral regurgitation, during the study period. In eight cases myocardial infarction was inferior, in three lateral and in one, anterior. In 10 patients, a mitral replacement was carried-out and in two the mitral valve was repaired. In seven patients, myocardial revascularization was performed. Mean lapse between infarction and surgery was 13.5 days (1 to 85). Two patients died in the perioperative period. Follow-up ranged from 1.7 to 120.4 months. Four patients died during follow-up, 2 due to a cardiovascular cause. Thus, at the end of follow-up 6 patients were alive. All were in functional class I-II.
Conclusions:
Papillary muscle rupture is an uncommon complication of myocardial infarction, with considerable operative and long-term mortality. However, survivors have good quality of life.
Insights
Papillary muscle rupture, a rare myocardial infarction complication, requires surgery. While operative and long-term mortality is significant, survivors experience good quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Cardiac Surgery Outcomes
- Myocardial Infarction Complications
Background:
- Papillary muscle rupture is a severe complication following myocardial infarction.
- Surgical intervention is the sole treatment option for this condition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the surgical outcomes for patients experiencing papillary muscle rupture.
- Analyze recent surgical experiences and long-term results.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 12 patients diagnosed with papillary muscle rupture between 1995 and 2005.
- Analysis of clinical records, surgical procedures (mitral valve replacement/repair), and concomitant myocardial revascularization.
- Assessment of perioperative mortality, long-term survival, and functional class.
Main Results:
- Papillary muscle rupture occurred in 2.2% of mitral procedures for insufficiency and 8.8% for ischemic mitral regurgitation.
- Myocardial infarction location varied (inferior, lateral, anterior).
- Perioperative mortality was 16.7% (2/12 patients); long-term mortality was 33.3% (4/12 patients), with 6 survivors in functional class I-II.
Conclusions:
- Papillary muscle rupture is an infrequent but serious myocardial infarction complication.
- The condition carries substantial operative and long-term mortality risks.
- Survivors of surgical intervention demonstrate a good quality of life.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Cardiomyopathy VII: Pre and Post Operative Nursing Management
01:29Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care
01:17Pericarditis III: Medical Management
01:14Myocarditis III: Medical Management