Ventricular Septal Dissection Complicating Inferior Wall Myocardial Infarction
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2026

Myocardial Infarction and Functional Outcome Assessment in Pigs
Published on: April 25, 2014
Lindsey Kalvin1, Rayan Yousefzai1, Bijoy K Khandheria1
1Aurora Cardiovascular Services, Aurora Sinai/Aurora St. Luke's Medical Centers, 2801 W. Kinnickinnic River Parkway, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
Insights
A rare complication of heart attack, ventricular septal defect, was observed. Imaging suggested one condition, but surgery revealed a different septal defect, highlighting diagnostic challenges.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiac Surgery
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Postmyocardial infarction ventricular septal defect is a rare mechanical complication.
- Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) can lead to serious cardiac events.
Observation:
- A patient presented with hypotension and systolic murmur 12 hours post-percutaneous coronary intervention for right coronary artery occlusion.
- Preoperative imaging indicated a large ventricular septal defect (VSD) and pseudoaneurysm.
Findings:
- Intraoperative findings revealed a serpiginous dissection of the ventricular septum, not a typical VSD.
- This case highlights discrepancies between preoperative imaging and intraoperative findings in diagnosing post-MI septal defects.
Implications:
- Accurate diagnosis of mechanical complications post-MI is crucial for appropriate management.
- Understanding imaging limitations in complex septal abnormalities is important for cardiac surgeons and interventional cardiologists.
Abstract:
Postmyocardial infarction ventricular septal defect is an increasingly rare mechanical complication of acute myocardial infarction. We present a case of acute myocardial infarction from right coronary artery occlusion that developed hypotension and systolic murmur 12 hours after successful percutaneous coronary intervention. Although preoperative imaging suggested a large ventricular septal defect and a pseudoaneurysm, intraoperative findings concluded a serpiginous dissection of the ventricular septum. The imaging technicalities are discussed.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction
Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care

