Ventriculography to Identify Ventricular Free-Wall Rupture in Acute Coronary Syndrome

Scott Donald, Malek Kass1

  • 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.

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