Utility of cardiac MRI in determining percutaneous versus surgical post-infarction ventricular septal defect repair

Postmyocardial infarction ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a rare complication that can lead to rapid hemodynamic patient decompensation. The type of VSD repair relies on several factors including: size, location, timing and surgical expertise.

A 63-year-old man with a ST-elevation myocardial infarction underwent percutaneous coronary intervention of the right coronary artery. A holosystolic murmur was notable postcatheterization, and transthoracic echocardiogram confirmed a VSD. To characterize the VSD, a cardiac MRI demonstrated a large, serpiginous VSD and longitudinal septal tear. Given the anatomic complexity and stable hemodynamics, a surgical trans-left ventricular patch repair was performed.

We emphasize the importance of cardiac magnetic resonance as a decision-making tool, utilizing imaging to ascertain the anatomy combined with hemodynamics to determine optimal individualized therapy.