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Background: Ventricular septal rupture (VSR) following acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a dan-gerous condition. Surgical VSR closure is the definitive therapy, but there is controversy regarding the surgical timing and the bridging therapy between diagnosis and intervention. The objective of this study is to analyze the ideal time of surgical repair and to establish the contribution of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices on the prognosis. Methods: We designed an observational, retrospective, multicenter study, selecting all consecutive patients with post-AMI VSR between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2018, with non-exclusion criteria. The main objective of this study was to analyze the optimal timing for surgical repair of post-AMI VSR. Second- ary endpoints were to determine which factors could influence mortality in the patients of the surgical group. Results: A total of 141 patients were included. We identified lower mortality rates with an odds ratio of 0.3 (0.1 & ndash;0.9) in patients operated on from day 4 compared with the surgical mortality in the first 24 hours after VSR diagnosis. The use of MCS was more frequent in patients treated with surgery, par- ticularly for intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP; 79.6% vs. 37.8%, p < 0.001), but also for veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO; 18.2% vs. 6.4%, p = 0.134). Total mortality was 91.5% for conservative management and 52.3% with surgical repair (p < 0.001). Conclusions: In our study, we observed that the lowest mortality rates in patients with surgical repair of post-AMI VSR were observed in patients operated on from day 4 after diagnosis of VSR, compared to earlier interventions. (Cardiol J 2022; 29, 5: 773 & ndash;781)

The optimal timing of acute myocardial infarction-associated ventricular septal rupture surgery is controversial. Therefore, we examined the appropriateness of our ventricular septal rupture surgical strategy for early surgery in absence of organ failure and delayed surgery after organ failure recovery. We retrospectively included 22 patients who underwent surgery for ventricular septal rupture between January 2012 and February 2021. After diagnosis, patients without organ failure underwent early surgery; those with organ failure underwent delayed surgery after organ failure recovery. In the early- (n = 17) and delayed-surgery (n = 5) groups, the mean ± standard deviation time from diagnosis to surgery was 0.3 ± 0.7 (0-2) and 5.2 ± 2.3 (3-8) days, respectively. The early-surgery group was treated with preoperative mechanical circulatory support using an intra-aortic balloon pump. The delayed-surgery group was treated with an Impella (n = 1), intra-aortic balloon pump combined with venous artery extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (n = 1), and Impella combined with venous artery extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECpella) (n = 3). The hospital and mid-term (52.1 ± 42.9 months) mortality rates were 9.1% (early-surgery group, 11.8%; delayed-surgery group, 0%) and 18.2% (early-surgery group, 23.5%; delayed-surgery group, 0%), respectively. Further, 70.6% and 82.4% patients without organ failure had cardiogenic shock and an anterior rupture location, respectively. In the early-surgery group, combined treatment with an intra-aortic balloon pump and medical therapy yielded hemodynamic stability until surgery. However, in patients with organ failure requiring long-term management, ECpella therapy was preferable, depending on the rupture size. Our treatment strategy was reasonable. Further research is warranted to determine the optimal support duration, especially for patients requiring long-term management.

Introduction: Ventricular septal rupture is an important high-mortality complication in the scope of myocardial infarctions. The effectiveness of different treatment modalities is still controversial. This meta-analysis compares the efficacy of percutaneous closure vs. surgical repair for the treatment of postinfarction ventricular septal rupture (PI-VSR). Methods: A meta-analysis was performed on relevant studies found through PubMed®, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (or CNKI), Wanfang Data, and VIP databases searching. The primary outcome was a comparison of in-hospital mortality between the two treatments, and the secondary outcome was documentation of one-year mortality, postoperative residual shunts, and postoperative cardiac function. Differences were expressed as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to assess the relationships between predefined surgical variables and clinical outcomes. Results: Qualified studies (742 patients from 12 trials) were found and investigated for this meta-analysis (459 patients in the surgical repair group, 283 patients in the percutaneous closure group). When comparing surgical repair to percutaneous closure, it was found that the former significantly reduced in-hospital mortality (OR: 0.67, 95% CI 0.48-0.96, P=0.03) and postoperative residual shunts (OR: 0.03, 95% CI 0.01-0.10, P

The potential benefit of concomitant surgical revascularization represents a controversial topic of the surgical treatment of post-infarction ventricular septal rupture (VSR). Beliaev and colleagues presented a case series interestingly focusing on this issue and showed how the possibility to perform coronary artery bypass grafting at time of VSR repair was associatd with better early and late mortality and improved cardiac function. However, a few more aspects deserve further comments in this controversial topic, especially considering late survival and postoperative cardiac function, although it seems reasonable to conclude that the presence of coronary artery disease not amenable to revascularization represents a strong negative prognostic factor in surgically treated VSR patients.

The timing of surgery for ventricular septal rupture (VSR) after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remains controversial. This study investigated the benefits and risks of delayed surgery for post-AMI VSR and examined differences in echocardiographic findings between early and delay groups.A total of 38 consecutive patients with post-AMI VSR who underwent surgery at our hospital between May 2003 and November 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Our strategy was to delay surgery until 2 weeks after AMI. If patients demonstrated organ dysfunction, we considered early surgery. Patients were divided into early (n = 20; 53%) and delay (n = 18; 47%) groups. Risks and benefits were investigated based on echocardiographic findings during the waiting period. The delay group had more preoperative intravenous catheter infections (P = 0.008) but fewer reoperations (P = 0.02) and lower operative mortality (P = 0.04) than the early group. The VSR defect diameter and total pulmonary blood flow to total systemic blood flow (Qp/Qs) increased in both groups while waiting. Nevertheless, the early group had a significantly higher Qp/Qs change rate than the delay group (P = 0.05). The 30 day and hospital mortality rates were 5.3% and 13.2%, respectively.The VSR defect diameter and Qp/Qs in both groups increased with time and can therefore become risk factors. Nonetheless, the benefit of waiting exceeded the risk because our outcomes were better than those previously reported.

Background:Surgical repair for postinfarction ventricular septal rupture (VSR) is a challenging operation, especially in the acute phase with unstable hemodynamics. We retrospectively examined the value of measuring lactate, which can be a quantitative indicator of end-organ ischemia caused by multiple factors including ineffective cardiac output, for risk stratification in patients undergoing surgical repair., Methods:From April 2008 to December 2018, 33 consecutive patients were admitted to our hospital with a diagnosis of VSR and underwent VSR repair surgery within 24 hours of admission. We categorized patients into 3 groups based on the distribution of preoperative blood lactate level: 10 mmol/L (n = 6)., Results:There was no intraoperative death, but the prognosis for patients with lactate >10 mmol/L was extremely poor, with a median postoperative survival time of only 23 days [25th percentile 6, 75th percentile 30]. Five of 6 patients (83%) died within 30 days after surgery. The risk-adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) for mortality per 1 SD (0.41-unit) increase in log-transformed preoperative lactate level (equivalent to a 4.10-fold increase) was 2.85 (1.57 to 5.19). Patients with lactate 5 to 10 mmol/L had 3.95-fold and those with lactate >10 mmol/L had 6.03-fold higher risk of mortality than those with lactate, Conclusion:Elevation of preoperative serum lactate is significantly associated with mortality in patients who underwent VSR repair. The findings of this study highlight the value of measuring lactate level for risk stratification.

Background:Surgical repair for postinfarction ventricular septal rupture (VSR) was still a challenging operation, especially when required in the acute phase or posterior VSR. The extended sandwich patch technique is characterized by large double patches fixed by circumferential transmural large mattress sutures via right ventricle incision. In the present study, we report early and midterm clinical and echocardiographic outcomes of this technique., Methods:Of 33 consecutive patients undergoing VSR repair using the extended sandwich patch technique between 2008 and 2018, 25 received surgery within 1 week from the onset of myocardial infarction (early group) and 8 received surgery after 1 week (late group), including 12 patients with posterior VSR. All patients underwent surgery within 24 hours of VSR diagnosis., Results:Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography identified no residual shunt, but 2 patients received reoperative VSR repair at 9 days and 2 months after the first VSR repair. The 30-day mortality and 1-year survival in the early and late groups were 20% and 12.5%, and 58% and 88%, respectively. After VSR repair, right and left heart chamber sizes were significantly decreased, and these improvements were stable throughout the subsequent follow-up period (median 4.0 years). Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion and right ventricular fractional area change remained constant throughout the observation period without changing after VSR repair., Conclusions:The extended sandwich patch technique through a right ventriculotomy offered safe and simple, leak-free repair even in technically demanding acute phase or posterior VSR. No significant decline was found in the right heart function after surgery.

Left ventricular (LV) pseudoaneurysm is a rare complication after postinfarction repair of ventricular septal rupture (VSR), and surgical treatment of this condition due to mycosis has rarely been reported. We report a rare case of successful surgical treatment of delayed LV pseudoaneurysm related to Candida albicans infection after repair of VSR due to myocardial infarction. A 75-year-old woman was admitted for fever and severe inflammatory reaction. Two and a half years previously, she had undergone postinfarct VSR repair and was treated for mycotic infective endocarditis due to C. albicans. Transthoracic echocardiography and computed tomography revealed a LV pseudoaneurysm (maximum transverse diameter 6.2 cm). The cause of the LV pseudoaneurysm was suspected to be infectious, and broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment was started. Fourteen days after admission, she developed acute abdominal pain and an elevated β-D-glucan level because the LV pseudoaneurysm ruptured. Emergency surgical treatment was performed with antimycotic drug therapy. The LV wall defect was reconstructed using bovine pericardium under cardiopulmonary support. Her postoperative course was good, and she was discharged to home. Echocardiography revealed no recurrence of the LV pseudoaneurysm at 4 months postoperatively. During 1 year of follow-up, the patient had been doing well without any infection or adverse event.

A 79-year-old man was referred to us for severe cardiac decompensation. Chest radiography showed severe pulmonary edema, and transesophageal echocardiography revealed extensive vegetations on all aortic valve leaflets with severe aortic valve regurgitation, heterogeneous cavities adjacent to the aortic annulus, and ventricular septal rupture into the right-ventricular outflow tract. After extensive debridement of the aortic root (including the infected ventricular septum), the ventricular septum and aortic root were reconstructed using autologous and bovine pericardial patches, and a bioprosthetic stented valve was placed. The postoperative course was uneventful, and he remains recurrence-free 4 years after surgery.

In the midst of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, an 84-year-old female patient was admitted due to non-exertional syncope preceded by retrosternal pain. She had experienced a prolonged episode of oppressive chest pain 6 days before her presentation, but due to the concern of contracting COVID-19, she did not present for medical care. Upon admission to the emergency department, the patient was in circulatory shock, with her physical examination being remarkable for the presence of a holosystolic murmur. Admission electrocardiogram revealed an inferior ST-segment elevation with Q waves with extension to the posterior wall, consistent with subacute infarct in the right coronary artery (RCA) territory, and the patient was transferred for primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Upon arrival to the catheterization laboratory, a summary transthoracic echocardiogram was performed, which revealed inferior wall and infero-septal akinesia with an 18 mm ventricular septal rupture. Coronary angiography documented occlusion of the proximal segment of a dominant RCA. Due to a high perioperative risk, the patient underwent successful retrograde percutaneous closure with a 24 mm MemoPart™ device, with mild to moderate residual shunt. Despite an immediate clinical improvement, the patient died 12 hours after the procedure due to refractory cardiogenic shock. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Background Ventricular septal rupture (VSR) is a rare but severe complication of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). For such cases, surgical repair is recommended by major guidelines, but not always possible for such cases. Case presentation A 72-year-old man presented to the emergency room. ECG showed the ST-segment was elevated by 2–3 mm in lead II, III, and aVF, with Q-waves. Coronary angiography (CAG) showed multi-vessel disease with a total occlusion of the right coronary artery (RCA) and severe stenosis of the left anterior descending artery (LAD). A diagnosis of acute inferior myocardial infarction was made. VSR occurred immediately after percutaneous coronary intervention (a 2.5 × 20 mm drug-eluting stent implanted in RCA), and the patient developed cardiogenic shock. An intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) was used to stabilize the hemodynamics. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) revealed an 11.4-mm left-to-right shunt in the interventricular septum. An attempt was made to reduce the IABP augmentation ratio for weaning on day 12 but failed. Transcatheter closure was conducted using a 24-mm double-umbrella occluder on day 28. The patient was weaned from IABP on day 31 and underwent secondary PCI for LAD lesions on day 35. The patient was discharged on day 41. Upon the last follow-up 6 years later, CAG and TTE revealed no in-stent restenosis, no left-to-right shunt, and 51% left ventricular ejection fraction. Conclusions Prolonged implementation of IABP can be a viable option to allow deferred closure of VSR in AMI patients, and transcatheter closure may be considered as a second choice for the selected senior and vulnerable patients, but the risk is still high.

Ventricular septal rupture represents one of the most serious complications after an acute coronary syndrome. Nowadays this condition is rare due to early revascularization, but is still associated with high mortality rate. In this case report, we present an unusual case of a woman suffering an acute myocardial infarction with normal coronary arteries complicated with a ventricular septal rupture, which required surgical correction.

Background: Nearly one-third of the world's population dies from cardiovascular disorders, the majority of which are caused by stroke and coronary artery problems and 80 percent of these fatalities occur in impoverished countries. This study was conducted to determine the frequency of ventricular septal rupture in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction presenting to cardiology unit Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar. Methods: This was descriptive cross sectional research study at the Department of Cardiology, MTI-Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, from January to July 2020. Detailed history was obtained including duration of symptoms, co-morbidities present and occupation. A thorough clinical examination was done for signs of heart failure and ventricular septal rupture. Patients’ demographics, clinical and laboratory parameters were recorded on a pro forma. All the data was analyzed statistically by using SPSS version 24.0. Results: A total of 179 patients were included in our study. Ventricular Septal Rupture (VSR), was recorded in 7 (3.9%) patients having Acute ST elevation of MI. In our study age, obesity, reperfusion therapy, location of MI and history of previous shock were observed to be non-significantly (p˂0.05) associated with high incidence of Ventricular Septal Rupture in patients having Acute ST elevation of MI. Conclusion: According to our findings, individuals with PI-VSR have a significant risk of acute-phase death. Furthermore, a significant incidence of acute-phase fatalities has been related to female gender and severe cardiac failure upon admission.

Ventricular septal rupture is a rare yet life threatening complication of acute myocardial infarction. Surgical closure is the treatment of choice however despite surgical intervention mortality remains high. Transcatheter closure of ventricular septal rupture has emerged as a new alternative strategy which is less invasive potentially allowing early hemodynamic stabilization. We report a case of a 60-year-old male with post infarction ventricular septal rupture who was treated with percutaneous closure using an Amplatzer device at Shahid Gangalal National Heart Centre, Nepal.

Postinfarction ventricular septal rupture (VSR) represents a well-known mechanical complication of myocardial infarction, determining cardiogenic shock with high mortality rates. Surgical correction requires significant expertise to avoid cardiac rupture, uncontrollable bleeding, residual shunts, heart failure, and death. In the last year, we observed a substantial increase of VSR at our hospital, related to the delayed presentation of people with acute chest pain to the emergency departments during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. We discuss our innovative triple-layer patch technique in a recent consecutive series of 8 patients. This technique proved effective in all patients, with no residual shunt or cardiac rupture.

Post-myocardial infarction ventricular septal rupture (MI-VSR) remains a dreadful complication with dismal prognosis. Surgical repair is the primary treatment strategy, whereas the role of heart transplantation (HT) as a primary option in MI-VSR is limited to case reports (CRs). We performed a systematic review of CRs to describe in-hospital mortality, and survival at 6 and 12 months in adult patients with MI-VSR treated with HT as a primary or bailout strategy. We performed a comprehensive search of Web of Science, PubMed, and Ovid Medline. The last search was completed on March 10, 2020. An aggregated score based on the CARE case report guideline was used to assess the quality of the CRs. We included CRs that described adult patients with MI-VSR treated with HT as a primary or bailout strategy. A total of 14 CRs between 1994 and 2015 were included, retrieving and analyzing the characteristics of 17 patients. A total of 12 patients underwent HT, with HT being the primary strategy in 8 patients and a bailout strategy for 4 patients following initial surgical repair, while 5 patients died awaiting HT under mechanical circulatory support (MCS), accounting for the total in-hospital mortality of this series (29%). Regarding long-term outcomes, 6 patients were reported to be alive at 6 months and 1 year after HT, while information was missing in the remaining 6 patients. In conclusion, HT supported by the use of temporary and durable MCS as a bridge to HT could be a feasible primary or bailout strategy to reduce the high in-hospital mortality of patients with MI-VSR.

Ventricular septal rupture is an extremely rare sequelae of blunt chest trauma, and is mostly diagnosed postmortem. We present a case of a large isolated traumatic ventricular septal rupture after a suicide attempt by jumping from a height of 5 stories, which was successfully treated with surgical closure. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.), Central Illustration

Objective: Ventricular Septal Rupture (VSR) following Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) is a fatal mechanical complication with high incidence of mortality. The aim of this study is to explore the clinical outcomes and to identify the factors related to early mortality in patients with VSR after AMI. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study and we collected clinical data of 21 adult patients with VSR following AMI from April 2012 and October 2020 who got admitted at our tertiary care centre. The patients were classified into two groups. The first group consisted of patients who died within two weeks from the diagnosis of VSR following AMI and the second group comprised of patients who survived more than two weeks after VSR. Results: A total of 21 patients (mean age of 66.19±9.47 years) were enrolled in this study. The most common MI was Anterior MI (71.4%) and the location of VSR was predominantly in the anterior and apical septum (76.2%). The overall early mortality was 85.9% (n=18). 80.95% (n=17) of patients died within two weeks of diagnosis of AMI. Of the 4 patients who survived more than two weeks, three patients survived. The operative mortality in our study was 47%. Conclusion: The prognosis for VSR in AMI remains poor. Renal failure is accompanied with high rate of early mortality in patients with VSR complicating AMI. History of smoking is associated with poor outcome.

Mean number of emergency surgery for post infarction ventricular septal perforation( VSP) in Japan from 2001 to 2018 was 235 cases/year, with 35.2% of in hospital mortality. There was no apparent improvement in surgical results in Japan, nor worldwide for this disease during last two decades. In this report, overview of current surgical techniques for VSP was described. Infarction exclusion technique, entire septal patch technique, and sandwich technique through right ventricle incision were summarized. To further improve surgical results for VSP, pre-operative mechanical assist in critically ill patients, or development of new surgical technique using plug device may be necessary.

BackgroundThe precise clinical features and etiologic basis of Takotsubo syndrome remain unclear, although an association with emotional or stressful triggers has been recognized. Ventricular septal perforation is a very rare life-threatening complication.Case presentationA 77-year-old female patient presented to the hospital with unrelieved chest tightness and shortness of breath. Three months ago, the patient's electrocardiogram revealed ischemic T wave inversion of the anterior wall, along with an increase in myocardial injury markers. There was no evidence of a ventricular septal defect on echocardiography. The patient was admitted to the respiratory department to treat lung lesions. The electrocardiogram demonstrated dynamic changes following admission, and the myocardial markers returned to normal, but the echocardiography revealed a ventricular septal defect. The initial diagnosis was ventricular septal perforation because of myocardial infarction with acute anterior ST-segment elevation. Coronary angiography revealed no abnormalities, but left ventricular angiography revealed an enlarged apex and VSD, with a right ventricular shunt bundle. Later, cardiac MRI revealed an apical ventricular septal defect. Further inquiry of the patient's medical history revealed that her husband died unexpectedly three months ago, and her daughter was seriously injured in a car accident, causing the patient severe emotional distress. Takotsubo syndrome was then determined in conjunction with the patient's medical history, symptoms, signs, and pertinent examinations. Without using a catheter or a surgical procedure, we managed the patient's medical condition. Two weeks later, the patient was discharged with symptoms improved.ConclusionsTakotsubo syndrome is comparable to an acute myocardial infarction on clinical and electrocardiographic examination in the absence of significant coronary disease. Although ventricular septal perforation is most commonly associated with acute myocardial infarction, it can also happen following Takotsubo syndrome. Takotsubo syndrome complicated by ventricular septal perforation is easily misdiagnosed. The early recognition and management of this condition can avoid or reduce morbidity and mortality.

We report 4 cases of post myocardial infarction complications due to the delay in presentation during COVID-19 era. We highlighted the need for auscultating the chest for early diagnosis. Through this case series, we urge to raise awareness among cardiac patients to access healthcare despite the fear of COVID-19., Highlights • To recognize the rise in post myocardial infarction complications in the setting of delayed presentation after acute coronary syndrome during COVID-19 pandemic era • To highlight the importance of physical examination for early diagnosis of post myocardial infarction complications • To demonstrate percutaneous options available for repairing ventricular septal rupture

In this retrospective observational study, we have examined the incidence, characteristics, and treatment of serious myocardial infarction (MI) -associated mechanical complications (MCs) occurring in Japanese patients in this era of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), focusing on frailty, nutrition, and clinical implication of surgery. Included were 883 patients who, having suffered an MI, had been admitted to Nihon University Hospital between January 2013 and April 2020. Fifteen (1.70%) of these patients had suffered a potentially catastrophic MC-ventricular free wall rupture (VFWR, n = 8), ventricular septal rupture (VSR, n = 6), or papillary muscle rupture (PMR, n = 1). Factors associated with the MCs were age, poor nutritional status, a high Killip class, delayed diagnosis of MI, a high lactate concentration, a low thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow grade, and single-vessel disease. Thirty-day mortality among MC patients was 60% (9/15): 87.5% associated with VFWR, 33.3% associated with VSR and 0% associated with PMR. On adjusted multivariate analysis, occurrence of an MC was independently associated with 30-day mortality. Despite a high surgical risk (EuroSCORE II: 11.8 ± 4.7) with less frailty, 30-day mortality was lower among patients whose MC was treated surgically than among those whose MC was treated conservatively (40.0% versus 100.0%, respectively; P = 0.044).Our data suggest that surgical intervention can save patients with a life-threatening MI-associated MC and should be considered, if they are not particularly frail.

Ventricular septal rupture (VSR) represents a rare complication of acute myocardial infarction, often presenting with cardiogenic shock and associated with high in-hospital mortality despite prompt intervention. Although immediate surgery is recommended for patients who cannot be effectively stabilized, the ideal timing of intervention remains controversial. Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) may allow hemodynamic stabilization and delay definitive treatment even in critical patients. However, the interactions between MCS and VSR pathophysiology as well as potentially related adverse effects remain unclear. A systematic review was performed, from 2000 onward, to identify reports describing MCS types, effects, complications, and outcomes in the pre-operative VSR-related setting. One hundred eleven studies (2,440 patients) were included. Most patients had well-known negative predictors (e.g., cardiogenic shock, inferior infarction). Almost all patients had intra-aortic balloon pumps, with additional MCS adopted in 129 patients (77.5% being venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation). Mean MCS bridging time was 6 days (range: 0 to 23 days). Inhospital mortality was 50.4%, with the lowest mortality rate in the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation group (29.2%). MCS may enhance hemodynamic stabilization and delayed VSR treatment. However, the actual effects and interaction of the MCS-VSR association should be carefully assessed to avoid further complications or incorrect MCS-VSR coupling. (C) 2021 by the American College of Cardiology Foundation.

Ventricular septal rupture (VSR) represents a rare complication of acute myocardial infarction, often presenting with cardiogenic shock and associated with high in-hospital mortality despite prompt intervention. Although immediate surgery is recommended for patients who cannot be effectively stabilized, the ideal timing of intervention remains controversial. Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) may allow hemodynamic stabilization and delay definitive treatment even in critical patients. However, the interactions between MCS and VSR pathophysiology as well as potentially related adverse effects remain unclear. A systematic review was performed, from 2000 onward, to identify reports describing MCS types, effects, complications, and outcomes in the pre-operative VSR-related setting. One hundred eleven studies (2,440 patients) were included. Most patients had well-known negative predictors (e.g., cardiogenic shock, inferior infarction). Almost all patients had intra-aortic balloon pumps, with additional MCS adopted in 129 patients (77.5% being venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation). Mean MCS bridging time was 6 days (range: 0 to 23 days). Inhospital mortality was 50.4%, with the lowest mortality rate in the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation group (29.2%). MCS may enhance hemodynamic stabilization and delayed VSR treatment. However, the actual effects and interaction of the MCS-VSR association should be carefully assessed to avoid further complications or incorrect MCS-VSR coupling. (C) 2021 by the American College of Cardiology Foundation.

A 72-year-old woman presented with exertional dyspnea. Echocardiography revealed severe mitral valve stenosis; therefore, mitral valve replacement was performed using a bioprosthetic valve. However, left ventricular wall rupture occurred following mitral valve replacement. Under re-cardiac arrest, we found a left ventricular tear under the posterior annulus of the mitral valve. We repaired the left ventricular muscle using a bovine pericardial patch and implanted a bioprosthetic valve again. Postoperatively, we implanted an Impella 5.0 heart pump through the right axillary artery to ensure left ventricular wall unloading. Systemic blood flow depended almost completely on mechanical circulatory assistance until postoperative day 3. After the fourth postoperative day, we started weaning the patient from Impella 5.0. Finally, it was completely discontinued on the sixth postoperative day. After that, the patient's condition was stable, and she was discharged 44 days postoperatively. Impella 5.0 is a potentially beneficial device for left ventricular unloading in patients with left ventricular wall rupture following mitral valve replacement.

Background: Ventricular septal rupture (VSR) is a fatal mechanical complication following acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The definitive treatment remains surgical repair, however several aspects are still debatable, including the timing of surgery. Patient’s refusal of treatment and lack of medical facilities put other challenges in management of VSR. Case presentation: A-48-year-old male with a history of diabetes mellitus and hypertension came with a late-presentation anterior AMI, and refused the reperfusion therapy. By the third day, he developed VSR and cardiogenic shock. The patient was also against any referral plan for further therapy. Hemodynamic status was optimally controlled with vasopressor and inotropic agents. The patient was discharged with a grade II-III New York Heart Association (NYHA) on the tenth day. In follow up evaluation a week later, the patient presented limb swelling and functional NYHA class III-IV. The patient agreed to received percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Drug eluting stent (DES) in left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery was implanted successfully without defect closure. Follow-up after 12-months revealed no signs or symptoms of decompensated heart failure. Keywords: ventricular septal rupture; percutaneous coronary intervention; acute myocardial infarction

Introduction Ventricular septal rupture (VSR) is a serious mechanical complication after acute coronary syndrome and is related to high mortality. Even with advances in the management of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) such as reperfusion therapies, complication rates are still high. During quarantine, patients presenting mechanical complications after AMI have increased in our institution. Methods From a retrospective database analysis in our institution between the years 2004 and 2020, we identified 37 cases of VSR after AMI. Four chronic cases were excluded from our analysis. The primary endpoint was to identify baseline characteristics that increased 30-day mortality. Results Among 33 acute cases of VSR, 24 cases were submitted to surgery. The 30-day mortality of the operated patients was 45.8%. From 2004 to 2019 our average number of operations of VSR was 1.9 cases/year with an increase to 4 cases/year in 2020. Diabetes mellitus, age, cardiogenic shock, and use of intra-aortic balloon pump were associated with significantly increased mortality using logistic regression. Conclusion We reported an increased number of mechanical complication cases from April to September 2020, compared to our historical records. Despite therapeutic advances, mortality rates remain high. Although the number of cases is small to conclude that the pandemic was responsible for this augmentation, we believe that it is related to the decreased number of patients seeking medical assistance.

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.

Ventricular septal rupture (VSR) is the most dramatic complication of acute myocardial infarction (MI). It manifests itself most often in the first week after infarction, with the maximum fatal complications occurring on day 1 and day 3–5 after MI. Patients receiving conservative treatment mostly die of progressive heart failure within few hours or days. Even now, in the era of endovascular interventions, surgical treatment remains the gold standard for the treatment of this pa-thology. Our research is mainly aimed at studying the factors of operative mortality, describing our methods of treatment and analyzing the survival rate and long-term outcomes after surgical treatment of this pathology. We studied 90 patients with postinfarction VSR who underwent surgical intervention in 2002–2019. Twelve of them were operated at the Central Clinical Hospital in Baku, and 78 at the National Amosov Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery in Ukraine. The mean age of the patients was 59.9 ± 9.59 years, 65 (72.2%) were men and 25 (27.8 %) were women. Fifteen (16.6%) patients were smokers, 31 (34.4%) were diabetic, 70 (77.7%) patients had arterial hypertension, 62% of patients had NYHA class III heart failure with average ejection fraction of 43.9 ± 10.4%. According to the results of coronary angiography, single vessel stenosis of the coronary arteries was detected in 18 (20%), two-vessel lesion in 32 (35.5%), and three-vessel lesion in 40 (44.4%) patients. There were no patients with left main coronary artery (LMCA) stenosis. Long-term results of surgical treatment were followed for 1 to 8 years, on average in 18 (28.6%) patients. Within 1, 3 and 8 years 17, 12 and 2 patients were examined, respectively. Good results within 5 and 10 years after surgical treatment were observed in 87.5% and 64.3% patients, respectively. Repeated complaints in our group and those observed in the literature are associated with worsening of heart failure after venticulotomy and changes in the geometry of the left ventricle. Recurrence of heart failure and coronary symptoms within 3 years and after 3 to 8 years were observed in 6 (33.3%) and 3 (25%) patients, respectively. Repeated endovascular revascularization was performed in 5 patients. ICD was im-planted in 4 patients, and in 2 patients CRT-D was implanted within 4 years 2 months and 7 years, respectively. There were no hemorrhagic complications within 8 years. Four (22.2%) patients died in the long-term period, the cause of death was unknown. In intensive care department the treatment strategy suggested hemodynamic stabilization with the help of conserva-tive therapy and IABP. The patients who underwent surgery in ≥ 3 weeks after the diagnosis of postinfarction VSR survived within 30 days after surgery. Delayed planned recovery is stipulated by the formation of scar tissue in the myocardium, which enables to facilitate the technical aspects of recovery. The time of the operation depends mainly on hemodynamic status of the patient. Patients with cardiogenic shock should undergo immediate surgical treatment.

Ventricular septal rupture (VSR) is a life-threatening complication of myocardial infarction (MI). Surgery remains the only option; however it is still a challenging (1). Patients survive following medical management have poor outcome, so, its result is disappointing (2). Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) can be reduced VSR incidence. Medical treatment has high mortality, and early surgery is recommended to prevent hemodynamic deterioration. However, surgery also associated to a high of mortality rate (3). Transcatheter device closure is an option in critical cases (4).

Ventricular septal rupture (VSR) is a rare complication of myocardial infarction (MI), open heart surgery, and cardiac-based procedures, such as septal myectomy and valve replacement. VSR is associated with high mortality rates and the reported 30-day survival rate is less than 10% without any interventional therapy. Hence, prompt diagnosis and aggressive medical treatment with appropriate surgical intervention are necessary to improve survival. Immediate surgical intervention which is the standard treatment of VSR has a mortality rate of 19-60%. Due to persistent high mortality rate and challenging management of VSR, alternatives to surgical repair has been proposed; transcatheter approach as a new alternative method has been used for the closure of post-surgery residual defects or as a bridge to surgery and in some cases as a definitive therapy instead of surgical repair. Amplatzer Occluder® (AO), a type of transcatheter closure devices, is an approved method of repairing congenital atrial septal defects and it is being used as an alternative method of treatment in VSR. In this systemic review, we assessed the cases of VSR who underwent septal repair by using AO. The study shows that the total mortality rate of percutaneous VSR repair with AO is 20% which is comparable to 19-60% rate of death in patients who undergo surgery. While early intervention is necessary to prevent biventricular dysfunction, immediate surgical intervention on soft and friable tissue surrounding the infarction increases the risk of residual shunt and reoperation. However, this study reveals that the mortality rate of primary percutaneous VSR closure within 7 days of VSR detection was 37 % which is significantly lower than 60% in surgical repair in the same period. In conclusion, given that the prevalence of residual leak in both interventions are similar and close to 20%, percutaneous VSR closure with AO device could be superior to the surgical repair as a primary intervention in unstable or high-risk surgical patients.

Ventricular septal rupture is a life-threatening complication of myocardial infarction, with its surgical repair representing one of the highest risk cardiac procedures. This complex case demonstrates a novel hybrid approach to decrease the interventricular shunt and an early complication that can occur after initial surgical repair, and the vital role of the anesthesiologist to diagnose and guide both percutaneous and surgical interventions. A 65-year-old woman presented in cardiogenic shock after an anterolateral myocardial infarction with a ventricular septal rupture. Initial surgical repair of her ventricular septal defect (VSD) demonstrated no residual shunt by intraoperative transesophageal echo (TEE) evaluation. However, on POD 6, she again developed cardiogenic shock. Emergent transthoracic echo (TTE) showed patch dehiscence. Attempted resuscitation and repair was then done via percutaneous closure with AmplatzerTM PI Muscular VSD Occluder device. Thirty-two thrombogenic coils were placed along with the occlude device in attempt to reduce the residual shunt. After a period of end-organ stabilization, a redo open removal of AmplatzerTM PI Muscular VSD Occluder with coils and VSD patch repair was done a second time. This sequence of repairs demonstrates a hybrid approach to resolve a deadly condition that resulted in a positive patient outcome.

Background: Acute Ventricular septal rupture is one of dreadful complications of acute evolving myocardial infarction. Despite urgent management is lifesaving, it is still challenging and has a high risk of mortality particularly if recurrent or residual defects occurred. Evolving of skillfulness in transcatheter intervention of heart diseases paved the way for successful hybrid management of challenging cardiac cases specially for residual complicated cases post cardiac surgery. Case Presentation: We described here a successful hybrid two stage technique (surgical then transcatheter approach) to close two consecutive acute ventricular septal ruptures in 75 years old female presented with cardiogenic shock post evolving myocardial infarction. Conclusion: Hybrid repair by surgical and transcatheter interventions may be a good therapeutic modality for acute septal ruptures specially for residual or new defects after initial closure.

A 56-year-old man presented with acute anterior ST elevation myocardial infarction. Initially he was thrombolysed at a peripheral hospital and a transthoracic echocardiography revealed multiple (2-3 mm) apical muscular ventricular septal defects suggesting ventricular septal rupture (VSR), with the largest measuring 10mm with left to right shunt and max gradient was 74 mmHg. His left ventricular ejection fraction was 45%. A coronary angiogram revealed tight proximal (95%) and mid segments (80%) stenosis in the left anterior descending artery (LAD) but diffusely diseased distally. Another significant stenosis (80%) was present at the ostium of the right posterior descending artery (r-PDA). He was in Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Intervention (SCAI) cardiogenic shock Stage B, hence cardiac surgeons advised conservative medical treatment in order to stabilize the infarct area with view of good surgical outcome. Although, there was a dilemma between the surgeon and the cardiologist regarding timing VSR closure, classification of shock stages helped to delay surgery. Eventually, he was taken for surgery at the 18th day of admission with a graft to r-PDA rather to LAD (due to difficult visualization) and repair of VSR with Gortex patch. In conclusion, in all patients with post MI VSR, SCAI shock stages classification has to be applied in determining the timing of surgery.

Ventricular septal rupture (VSR) is a rare but life-threatening complication of ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is a rapid, noninvasive imaging modality that is easily accessible and highly effective in diagnosing VSR in the emergency department (ED) setting.A 73-year-old man with a history of type II diabetes mellitus and hypertension presented with complaints of intermittent chest pain for 48 h that had since become constant, associated with diaphoresis and shortness of breath. Physical examination was notable for shock and a new, grade V/VI systolic murmur. An electrocardiogram showed evidence of an inferior ST-elevation myocardial infarction (MI) with associated Q waves. POCUS revealed a large ventricular septal rupture with new ventricular septal defect and associated left-to-right shunting. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: POCUS in the ED setting is an effective and rapid tool for elucidating the etiology of various shock states. Emergency physicians should be aware of this particular case, as POCUS may help identify MI-related complications, including post-myocardial infarction VSR, that may necessitate surgical intervention as opposed to coronary reperfusion procedures.

Post myocardial ventricular septal rupture (VSR) is one of the most fatal complications of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in spite of percutaneous and surgical closure. With the advancement of percutaneous coronary interventions in a timely manner, incidence of post MI VSR has declined remarkably. However, the COVID-19) pandemic-related late hospital presentations with AMI increases the possibilities of a potential upward shift in the incidence of post MI VSR. This case report aimed to increase awareness of negative contributions of the current pandemic to AMI and its fatal complications.

Ventricular septal rupture (VSR) is one of the rare complications of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Although the incidence decreased in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) era, the mortality rate remained extremely high. We report a case of an AMI patient who developed a post-fibrinolytic VSR, which was confirmed by echocardiography. Although rescue PCI had been performed, the clinical condition did not improve because he was also having coronary slow flow (CSF). Then he fell into cardiogenic shock and acute lung edema, and died. The main key to dealing with VSR is to reduce afterload so that the left-to-right bypass flow can be reduced in order to maintain the adequate LV stroke volume. In addition to pharmacological therapy, mechanical supportive therapy and correction of VSR both surgically or transcatheterly are required. However, AMI patients with VSR still have a poor prognosis even with the optimal treatment.

Objective. To determine the clinical characteristics, therapeutic and in-hospital mortality of patients with mechanical complications post myocardial infarction. Materials and methods. Observational, descriptive and retrospective study. We included patients >18 years old with a diagnosis of mechanical complication post myocardial infarction hospitalized at the Instituto Nacional Cardiovascular- INCOR in Lima -Peru, from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2021. Variables like clinical characteristics, treatments, complications, and in-hospital mortality were studied. Results. We found 37 cases, with a predominance of males (73.0%) and a median age of 73 years old. The location of the myocardial infarction was 51.4% in the anterior wall and 43.2% in the inferior wall. The patients received reperfusion therapy with fibrinolysis in 5 cases (13.5%), coronary angioplasty in 5 (13.5%), and 73% received only medical management prior to the diagnosis of mechanical complications. Of the 37 patients, 13 (35.1%) presented isolated ventricular free wall rupture, 12 (32.4%) isolated interventricular septum rupture, 10 (27.0%) the combination of ventricular free wall rupture and interventricular septum, and 2 (5.4%) papillary muscle rupture. In-hospital mortality was 51.4%. Conclusions. The ventricular free wall rupture was the most frequent complication, patients with mechanical complications after myocardial infarction still maintain high intra-hospital mortality rates, mainly in those who did not have adequate surgical treatment. Objetivo. Determinar las características clínicas, terapéuticas y la mortalidad intrahospitalaria de los pacientes con complicaciones mecánicas posinfarto de miocardio (IM). Materiales y métodos. Estudio observacional, descriptivo y retrospectivo. Se incluyó a pacientes > 18 años con diagnóstico de complicación mecánica pos-IM hospitalizados en el Instituto Nacional Cardiovascular (INCOR) en Lima-Perú, del 1 de enero de 2017 hasta el 31 de diciembre de 2021. Se estudiaron variables clínicas, terapéuticas, complicaciones y mortalidad intrahospitalaria. Resultados. Se registraron 37 casos, con predominio del sexo masculino (73,0%) y mediana de edad 73 años. La localización del infarto fue en la pared anterior (51,4%) y en la pared inferior (43,2%). Los pacientes recibieron fibrinólisis en cinco casos (13,5%); angioplastia coronaria en cinco casos (13,5%), y el 73% recibieron solo manejo médico previo al diagnóstico de complicación mecánica. De los 37 pacientes, 13 (35,1%) presentaron rupturas de la pared libre ventricular aislada; 12 (32,4%) ruptura de septo interventricular aislada; 10 (27,0%) la combinación ruptura de pared libre ventricular y septo interventricular, y 2 (5,4%) ruptura de músculo papilar. La mortalidad intrahospitalaria fue del 51,4%. Conclusiones. La ruptura de la pared libre ventricular fue la complicación más frecuente; los pacientes con complicaciones mecánicas posinfarto de miocardio presentan tasas de mortalidad intrahospitalaria elevadas, principalmente en aquellos que no reciben tratamiento quirúrgico adecuado.

Background: Ischemic ventricular septal rupture (VSR) is a lethal complication that occurs either after spontaneous or iatrogenic occlusion of one of the major epicardial coronary vessels. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a VSD after a septal branch occlusion in a patient with patent coronary artery grafts to both the left anterior descending and posterior descending arteries. Methods: We present a rare case of anterior ischemic VSR due to the occlusion of a major septal branch. The patient had previous coronary artery bypass grafts and his left internal mammary artery conduit to the anterior descending artery was patent. The culprit lesion that resulted in the development of the VSR was the occlusion of a major septal branch. Discussion: The presence of collateral circulation in chronic coronary occlusive disease may provide a protective effect against the development of transmural myocardial necrosis which may reduce the risk of septal rupture. This case highlights the fact that patent coronary artery grafts may not protect from future ischemic VSR. Conclusion: Major septal branches with significant disease should be assessed for percutaneous options if technically feasible as dictated by the Heart Team., Portuguese Journal of Cardiac Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Vol. 29 No. 2 (2022): Apr-Jun

A 74-year-old woman developed inferior myocardial infarction due to right coronary artery occlusion and underwent percutaneous coronary intervention. Two days later, echocardiography revealed ventricular septal rupture, and Impella CP was inserted to avoid emergency surgery. However, the patient's hemodynamics deteriorated rapidly, necessitating additional venoarterial extracorporeal membranous oxygenation support with concomitant Impella support (ECPELLA). The ventricular septal rupture was surgically repaired using the extended sandwich technique via a right ventricular approach; the ascending aorta was clamped with the clampable portion of the Impella. The patient was successfully weaned from the Impella 3 days postsurgery. This case suggests that urgent surgery with ECPELLA support could be a useful option for patients with ventricular septal rupture, even in severe cases wherein emergency surgery is unavoidable.

Ventricular septal ruptures are an uncommon complication following acute myocardial infarction. Operative repair, utilizing a patch for closure of the defect, is the primary treatment modality to achieve hemodynamic stability. The use of an extracellular matrix derived from small intestinal submucosa as a scaffold for tissue repair is becoming increasingly common. Here, we present the case of a 58-year-old female found to have a ventricular septal rupture and posterior left ventricular aneurysm following late presentation after a myocardial infarction that required operative repair with a CorMatrix patch. Upon readmission for dyspnea and poor exercise tolerance several months later, the patch was subsequently found to have near-completely reabsorbed. There is a paucity of long-term outcomes data following the use of CorMatrix for septal defects, with rare reports of such reabsorption. Further study is required to identify the incidence and implications of such findings.

Background The incidence of the post-infarct ventricular septal defect (VSD) is 0.17%. Surgical repair is the definitive treatment and percutaneous closure is an alternative in high-risk patients. We report a case of post-myocardial infarction inferior wall aneurysm associated with a large ventricular septal rupture, with a communication between the aneurysm and right ventricle. Successful percutaneous closure of both the aneurysm and the post-infarct (VSD) was performed using two Amplatzer septal occluder devices. Case summary A 76-year-old man was referred to the clinic 2 weeks after an inferior wall myocardial infarction. A harsh, pansystolic murmur was appreciated on his left parasternal area and across the pericardium. An echocardiogram demonstrated a large, true aneurysm in the mid-cavity inferior wall. The inferior septum was ruptured and dissected, with a large, left-to-right shunt. The patient’s coronary angiography revealed a multi-vessel disease. The patient was considered as high surgical risk and thus transcatheter closure of both the post-infarct VSD and inferior wall aneurysm was recommended. We crossed the VSD from the venous side. An Amplatzer septal occluder (18 mm) was deployed to close the VSD completely. We crossed the aneurysm mouth from the arterial side. Another Amplatzer septal occluder (26 mm) was deployed with the large disc inside the aneurysm, sealing it with no more flow. After discharge from the intensive care unit, the patient underwent complete revascularization for his right coronary artery, left main artery, proximal left anterior descending artery, and ramus intermedius. At his 3-month follow-up, the patient remained well with reasonable exercise tolerance. Discussion Percutaneous closure of a post-infarct VSD and aneurysm is an option for patients whose comorbidities preclude surgical repair and whose septal anatomy is favourable to device placement.

OBJECTIVES Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) has been recently considered and used for patients with post-acute myocardial infarction mechanical complications (post-AMI MC); however, information in this respect is scarce. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the in-hospital outcomes of patients with post-AMI MC submitted to VA-ECMO, and enrolled in the Extracorporeal Life Support Organizations (ELSO)’s data Registry. METHODS This was a retrospective review of the ELSO Registry to identify adult (>18 years old) patients with post-AMI MC who underwent VA-ECMO support between 2007 and 2018. The primary end point of this study was in-hospital survival. ECMO complications were also evaluated. RESULTS The patient cohort available for this study included 158 patients. The median age was 62.4 years (range 20–80). The most common post-AMI MC was ventricular septal rupture (n = 102; 64.5%), followed by papillary muscle rupture (n = 42; 26.6%) and ventricular free-wall rupture (n = 14; 8.9%). Approximately a quarter of patients (n = 41; 25.9%) had cardiac arrest before VA-ECMO institution. The median duration of VA-ECMO was 5.9 days (range 1 h–40.3 days). ECMO complications occurred in 119 patients (75.3%). Overall, survival to hospital discharge for the entire patient cohort was 37.3%. Patients who had ventricular septal rupture as primary diagnosis had higher in-hospital mortality (n = 66; 64.7%). CONCLUSIONS In patients with post-AMI MC, VA-ECMO provides haemodynamic stabilizations and carries a potential to reverse otherwise lethal course. ECMO complications, however, remain an important limitation. Further investigations are required to better evaluate the efficacy and safety of ECMO in this context.

Ventricular septal rupture (VSR) is an uncommon complication of myocardial infarction (MI). The mortality rate of VSR is high. The management of VSR is including the stabilization of the hemodynamic status and surgical closure of the rupture. In spite of the agreement of experts on the necessity of surgical repair, the timing of VSR repair management remains unclear. In this review article, we evaluate the optimal time repair of VSR. To collect the data, Pubmed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Registry databases were searched for potentially suitable studies. Search terms were including “Ventricular Septal Rupture”, “Myocardial Infarction”, “Timing”, and “MI”. According to the result of the studies, it seems that the time between VSR detection and its repair is a determining factor in the survival or mortality of patients in post-myocardial infraction VSR. Studies showed that earlier surgical repair in VSR increases the risk of mortality, because in the early phase after MI, infarcted myocardium is very fragile, and it is very difficult surgical repair and increases the risk of recurrent septal defects. The longer time is needed for the heart and different body systems to adapt to the hemodynamic results of the abrupt left to right shunt. It seems that the best time for the operation is after the maturation of VSR with scarring at the edges of the defect. Moreover, in a large number of patients, it is not possible to delay the operation since they are at risk of severe heart failure and organ dysfunction. In these cases operation immediately after diagnosis of VSR is recommended to prevent further hemodynamic deterioration. In hemodynamically compromised patients, it may be considered to use a ventricular assist device, requiring an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP), or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) preoperative to postpone the operation which leads to higher survival in post-MI-VSD.

A significant concern in current coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic era is delay in first medical contact in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), due to reluctance to visit the hospital. We report a case of delayed presentation of STEMI as ventricular septal rupture during the COVID-19 pandemic, a rare presentation in the current age of primary percutaneous coronary intervention. (Level of Difficulty: Beginner.), Graphical abstract, A significant concern in current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic era is delay in first medical contact in patients with ST-segment elevation…