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Murine Myocardial Infarction Model using Permanent Ligation of Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery
08:38

Murine Myocardial Infarction Model using Permanent Ligation of Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery

Published on: August 16, 2019

Papillary muscle rupture: small life-threatening myocardial infarction

V Rizzello1, G F Mureddu, A Boccanelli

  • 1Department of Cardiovascular Disease, San Giovanni-Addolorata Hospital, Rome, Italy. vittoria.rizzello@gmail.com

The International Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging
|September 25, 2012
PubMed

Insights

A small myocardial infarction can cause severe complications like papillary muscle rupture and cardiogenic shock. Prompt diagnosis with transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is crucial for successful treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Cardiac Surgery

Background:

  • A 70-year-old male presented with atrial fibrillation, non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction, and cardiogenic shock.
  • Emergency coronary angiography revealed severe (99%) circumflex artery stenosis, treated with a bare metal stent.

Observation:

  • Despite successful revascularization and cardioversion, the patient showed no hemodynamic improvement.
  • Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) diagnosed a ruptured papillary muscle (PM).

Findings:

  • The patient underwent emergent mitral valve replacement due to the confirmed anterolateral PM rupture.
  • Postoperative recovery was uneventful, with full patient recovery.

Implications:

  • This case underscores that even minor myocardial infarctions can lead to life-threatening complications such as PM rupture and cardiogenic shock.
  • Early clinical suspicion and rapid TEE diagnosis are critical for effective management of this rare but severe complication.

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