Atrial rupture and sudden death following atrial infarction

We present a sudden-death case secondary to a right atrial rupture, occurring as a result of a myocardial infarction with very subtle clinical and electrocardiographical signs. This atrial infarction case illustrates the difficulty of diagnosis and also the serious consequences that can result from this medical condition. We review other potential complications which, in clinical practise, are not always attributed to their true origin.