Delayed left ventricular free-wall rupture after cardiac sarcoma resection

We report the case of a 38-year-old woman who underwent cardiac sarcoma resection and presented later with spontaneous left ventricular free-wall rupture. The original tumor resection required autotransplantation and a transmitral approach, including partial resection of the inner left ventricular wall. Although the patient did well postoperatively, 3 weeks later she developed a large pericardial effusion with tamponade. Intraoperatively, a portion of the left ventricular free wall ruptured and required repair with a Dacron patch. The patient recovered and was discharged from the hospital 3 weeks later. To our knowledge, this is the 1st reported case of spontaneous ventricular rupture after the resection of a cardiac tumor.