Two-dimensional echocardiography in the diagnosis of ruptured chordae tendineae.
Out of 2000 patients examined by two-dimensional echocardiography 20 patients (1%) were chosen in whom rupture of chordae tendineae was demonstrated (19 in the left and 1 in the right ventricle). In this group, rupture was connected with myocardial infarction in 5 cases and no coexistent cardiovascular disease was found in 7 cases. In 5 cases rupture of multiple chordae was found, with severe signs of left ventricular failure. In the remaining 15 cases only single chordae were ruptured. In 8 cases of this group, no significant hemodynamic disturbances were observed. Two-dimensional ECHO makes possible diagnosis of the rupture of single or multiple chordae and evaluation of the cause and consequences of this complication.
Adamus
J
J
Institute of Internal Medicine, Postgraduate Medical Center CKP WAM, Warsaw, Poland.
Kubik
L
L
D000328:Adult; D002815:Chordae Tendineae; D004452:Echocardiography; D005260:Female; D006341:Heart Rupture / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006342:Heart Rupture, Post-Infarction / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male