title: Survival of an octogenarian after rupture of the left ventricular free wall caused by myocardial infarction.
abstract: Left ventricular free wall rupture is an uncommon complication after a myocardial infarction that is associated with a high mortality rate from pericardial tamponade, especially in the elderly. Early recognition and management of this clinical entity affects the outcome; therefore, a high index of suspicion is imperative. We present a case of an 80-year-old man admitted with myocardial infarction, who had subsequent findings of left ventricular free wall rupture complicated by pericardial tamponade. Emergent surgical repair led to successful recovery. A brief overview of the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of this challenging and potentially fatal complication is presented.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, York Hospital, York, Pennsylvania, USA.
authors.forename: Samantapudi K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Daya
authors.forename: Desmond
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Tan
authors.forename: Paul H
authors.initials: PH
authors.lastname: Tolerico
authors.forename: Ramesh M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Gowda
authors.forename: Ijaz A
authors.initials: IA
authors.lastname: Khan
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D006342:Heart Rupture, Post-Infarction / Q000601:surgery*; D006352:Heart Ventricles / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000150:complications*; D012421:Rupture / Q000209:etiology*