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Updated: Apr 19, 2026

A Murine Closed-chest Model of Myocardial Ischemia and Reperfusion
Published on: July 17, 2012
Early diagnosis and management of myocardial rupture
Shuangbo Liu1, Tamara Glavinovic1, James W Tam1
1Section of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
Insights
Left ventricular free wall rupture, a rare complication of myocardial infarction, was diagnosed in an 82-year-old woman using contrast echocardiography. Prompt surgical repair led to immediate hemodynamic improvement and successful recovery.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiac Surgery
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Left ventricular free wall rupture is a life-threatening mechanical complication following myocardial infarction.
- Early diagnosis and intervention are critical for patient survival.
Observation:
- An 82-year-old woman presented with an anterolateral ST-elevation myocardial infarction treated with thrombolysis.
- Unexplained hypotension prompted echocardiography with contrast (Definity) for enhanced visualization.
Findings:
- Echocardiography revealed a circumferential pericardial effusion without tamponade.
- Intramyocardial tracking of contrast into the epicardial space indicated wall rupture in the anterior septum.
Implications:
- Contrast-enhanced echocardiography can aid in diagnosing subtle cases of left ventricular free wall rupture.
- Timely surgical intervention, including clot evacuation and wall repair, can lead to immediate hemodynamic stability and successful outcomes.
Abstract:
Left ventricular free wall rupture is a catastrophic mechanical complication of myocardial infarction. We present an 82-year-old woman with an anterolateral ST segment elevation myocardial infarction treated with thrombolysis. Because of unexplained hypotension, echocardiography was performed and contrast (Definity; Lantheus Medical Imaging) was used to improve visualization. Findings included a small- to moderate-sized circumferential pericardial effusion without frank tamponade, however, there was significant intramyocardial tracking of the contrast into the epicardial space, localized to the mid to apical portion of the anterior septum, consistent with rupture or disruption of the wall segment. The patient was promptly taken to the operating room where fresh blood and clots were evacuated from the pericardial space with immediate hemodynamic improvement. The patient underwent successful surgical repair.
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