Ventricular Septal Rupture following Anterior Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Challenge to a Sub-District Physician

Abstract

Background: Ventricular septal rupture (VSR) is one of the most serious mechanical complications following acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Although a rare complication, it is associated with significant mortality and morbidity. The purpose of this report was to present a case of VSR following anterior AMI in our hospital.

Case Description: A 54-year old Javanese male presented persistent episode of breathlessness and lower limb swelling for the last two days with prior chest pain 7 days ago. Physical examination revealed a grade 3/6 holosystolic murmer loudest over the apex, S3 gallop, rales bibasally of the lung. Electrocardiographic evidence revealed for a recent anterior myocardial infarction. Chest X-Ray showed a cardiomegaly and pulmonary congestion. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed VSR at mid-anteroseptal with estimated length of 8-10 mm, preserved LVEF 51% with mid-apicoseptal akinesis. Multiple readmissions were noted for this patient in the follow-up with worsened conditions.

Discussion: This is a challenging case report since our hospital is an incapable cath-lab sub-district hospital and far from PCI-capable center. It is critical that all patients with AMI have a brief evaluation for mechanical complications such as VSR. All patients who developed hemodynamic instability during AMI should be comprehensively examined for the murmur and any other heart sound that may provide valuable information.

Conclusion: Every clinician especially in the low-resource setting should be aware of this potentially fatal mechanical complication as the mortality remains significantly high. Early prompt diagnosis and treatment is the key of achieving an optimal outcome.