8. Post Myocardial Infarction Rupture of Left Ventricular Free
Wall - Gross
A myocardial rupture has occurred at an interface between necrotic
and spared myocardium. The infarct zone is pale. The zone of rupture
is dark red-black. There is left ventricular hypertrophy except in
the zone of infarct, which shows significant thinning. Myocardial
rupture is an uncommon but catastrophic and rapidly fatal
complication of acute myocardial infarction. The pericardium rapidly
fills with blood (hemopericardium). When the pericardium fills with
blood, the right ventricle cannot fill, and the patient rapidly
looses cardiac output. Hypertension is a risk factor for myocardial
rupture. At what time after infarction are patients at the greatest
risk for rupture of an acute MI?
Answer
Why?
Answer
