Ventriculography to Identify Ventricular Free-Wall Rupture in Acute Coronary Syndrome
1Structural Intervention, University of Manitoba, Section of Cardiology, Y3517-409 Tache Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R2H 2A6. mkass@sbgh.mb.ca.
Insights
This case study shows left ventricular free-wall rupture in a patient with acute coronary syndrome. Ventriculography effectively identified the rupture, confirming its diagnostic value.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Acute coronary syndromes (ACS) can lead to life-threatening complications.
- Left ventricular free-wall rupture (LVFWR) is a rare but catastrophic complication of myocardial infarction.
Observation:
- A 76-year-old female presented with late-stage ACS.
- Left ventriculography revealed contrast leakage into the pericardium, indicative of LVFWR.
- Echocardiography was used for confirmation.
Findings:
- Ventriculography accurately diagnosed left ventricular free-wall rupture.
- The imaging modality demonstrated contrast extravasation into the pericardial space.
Implications:
- This case underscores the continued relevance of ventriculography in diagnosing LVFWR.
- Early and accurate diagnosis of LVFWR is critical for patient management in ACS.
Abstract:
A 76-year-old previously well female with late-presentation acute coronary syndrome underwent left ventriculography, which demonstrated contrast leak into the pericardium consistent with left ventricular free-wall rupture. Confirmatory imaging, including echocardiography, was performed. Our case highlights the persistent utility of ventriculography as an imaging modality to identify free-wall rupture in acute coronary syndromes.
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