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.
Institute of Internal Medicine, Postgraduate Medical Center CKP WAM, Warsaw, Poland.
J
J
Adamus
L
L
Kubik
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