Ventricular septal rupture imaged with real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography: diagnosis at a glance.
Ventricular septal rupture is a rare complication of acute myocardial infarction and its diagnosis can be really challenging especially in the case of complex lesions. Echocardiography is the technique of choice for the detection of mechanical complications following myocardial infarction. The introduction of three-dimensional echocardiography offers new imaging possibilities with precise localization and easiest definition of the defect anatomy. This information is of paramount importance in the setting of a percutaneous closure procedure. We describe a case where real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography correctly defined the complex anatomy of a postmyocardial infarction septal defect with an associated pseudoaneurysm.
UO Cardiologia, Maria Cecilia Hospital - GVM Care & Research, Via Corriera 1, Cotignola, Italy.
Angelo
A
Squeri
Rita
R
Conti
Stefano
S
Bosi
D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D018618:Echocardiography, Doppler, Color; D019560:Echocardiography, Three-Dimensional; D017548:Echocardiography, Transesophageal; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006322:Heart Aneurysm / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D056989:Inferior Wall Myocardial Infarction / Q000150:complications; D008297:Male; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D018658:Ventricular Septal Rupture / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy