Left ventricular rupture post myocardial infarction (gross pathology)

Case contributed by John Hayman
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Status post myocardial infarction 5-7 days ago. Death due to cardiac tamponade.

Patient Data

Gender: Male

Transmural myocardial infarction. The infarcted myocardium appears pale. Rupture has occurred along the margin of necrotic tissue and the normal myocardium above through the zone of increased vascularity.

Annotated image showing the line of rupture along the infarct margin between the infarcted area at the lower portion of the transverse section and the normal myocardium above.

Case Discussion

Post-mortem findings that are typical of post-infarction myocardial rupture leading to cardiac tamponade.

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