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Left ventricular free wall rupture -- a real nightmare
  • Manuel J. Antunes
Manuel J. Antunes
University of Coimbra Faculty of Medicine

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Abstract

Left ventricular free wall rupture (LVFWR) is a most rare but often lethal mechanical complication of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The mortality rate for LVFWR is described from 75% to 90% and it is the cause for 20% of in-hospital deaths after AMI. Death results essentially from the limited time available for emergent intervention after onset of symptoms. Emergency surgery is indicated and normally the rupture site is easily identified, but it may not be apparent macroscopically, corresponding to transmyocardial or subepicardial dissection with an external rupture far from the infarction site, or already thrombosed and contained. Repair of the ventricular wall is usually achieved either by suturing the edges of the tear or closing it with patches of artificial material or biological tissues, usually using some kind of biological glue. However, several cases of successful conservative management have been described. In this Editorial, I comment on the metanalysis conducted by Matteucci et al, published in this issue of the Journal, including 11 non-randomized studies and enrolling a total of 363 patients, which brings a great deal of new knowledge that can help not only in the prevention but also in the management of this dreadful complication of AMI.
23 May 2021Submitted to Journal of Cardiac Surgery
24 May 2021Submission Checks Completed
24 May 2021Assigned to Editor
24 May 2021Editorial Decision: Accept
Sep 2021Published in Journal of Cardiac Surgery volume 36 issue 9 on pages 3334-3336. 10.1111/jocs.15697