Navigating the Diagnosis and Management of Papillary Muscle Rupture Following Inferior Myocardial Infarction

Aishwarya Sharma1, Haroon Mujahid2, Amir Darki2

  • 1Internal Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, USA.

Cureus
|March 23, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Papillary muscle rupture (PMR) causing acute mitral regurgitation is often missed in critically ill patients. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for managing this rare complication of myocardial infarction.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Critical Care Medicine
  • Cardiac Surgery

Background:

  • Papillary muscle rupture (PMR) is a rare but life-threatening mechanical complication of myocardial infarction.
  • It often presents with nonspecific symptoms in critically ill patients, leading to underdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis.
  • Acute mitral regurgitation secondary to PMR can rapidly lead to cardiogenic shock and pulmonary edema.

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