VENTRICULAR SEPTAL RUPTURE AFTER ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION ASSOCIATED WITH COVID-19 (preprint)

The COVID-19 pandemic decreased the hospitalizations rate for acute coronary syndromes. The origin was multifactorial. In parallel, the incidence of mechanical complications after acute myocardial infarction increased. Is presented the case of a 54-years-olds female with COVID-19 and acute anterior myocardial infarction, apical aneurysm, and interventricular septal rupture. The surgical repair consisted of ventriculoplasty, septal rupture closure with a pericardial patch, and it was impossible to perform coronary revascularization.

Delayed Presentation of Inferior STEMI Complicated by Ventricular Septal Rupture: An Indirect Consequence of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely impacted healthcare delivery. An indirect consequence of the rational fear of contracting the virus is delayed medical attention for life threatening conditions. We present the case of inferior ST elevation myocardial infarction leading to the rare complication of a ventricular septal rupture reflecting transmural infarction. COVID hesitancy caused a 48-hour delay in seeking medical attention after symptom onset. We also discuss the use of MRI to guide decision for timing of VSD repair in an otherwise asymptomatic patient post-revascularization.

Intraoperative Ventricular Septal Rupture: A Case Report (preprint)

Ventricular septal rupture (VSR) is a rare complication of myocardial infarction that requires surgical repair. Herein we describe a case of intraoperative VSR requiring a second bypass run and patch repair. This case highlights the importance of early reperfusion and poses concern for delayed patient presentation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fear of COVID-19 leading to late presenting myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock due to ventricular septal rupture.

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.

The Triple-Layer Patch Technique for Postinfarction Ventricular Septal Rupture.

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.

Delayed Treatment of Acute Myocardial Infarction With Ventricular Septal Rupture Due to Patient Fear During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandmic, more patients are presenting with complications late after acute myocardial infarction. We report the case of a 71-year-old man who delayed seeking medical care for 2 weeks, despite progressive shortness of breath, cough, and tactile fever, for fear of contracting COVID-19 in the hospital. Clinical and echocardiographic evaluation revealed a ventricular septal rupture secondary to acute myocardial infarction. The patient underwent urgent cardiac catheterization, followed by successful saphenous vein grafting to the left anterior descending coronary artery and open surgical repair of the ventricular septal rupture with a bovine pericardial patch. This case highlights a potential long-lasting negative effect that the COVID-19 pandemic will have on the care-seeking behavior and health of patients with acute cardiovascular disease.

Simultaneous Left Ventricular Aneurysm and Ventricular Septal Rupture Complicating Delayed STEMI Presentation: A Case-Based Review of Post-MI Mechanical Complications Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there is an unprecedented increase in public avoidance of hospitals predominantly driven by fear of contracting the virus. Recent publications highlight a re-emergence of rare post-myocardial infarction complications. While mechanical complications are infrequent in the era of primary percutaneous coronary intervention, they are associated with high mortality rates. The concurrent occurrence of mechanical complications such as left ventricular aneurysm and ventricular septal rupture is an extremely rare entity. We hereby delineate a unique case of a 53-year-old Caucasian male who underwent successful concomitant closure of a ventricular septal rupture, left ventricular aneurysmectomy, and 3-vessel coronary artery bypass grafting. Due to a delayed initial presentation owing to the patient's fear of contracting COVID-19, the surgery was carried out 3 months after the myocardial infarction. His postoperative evaluation confirmed normal contractility of the left ventricle and complete closure of the ventricular septal rupture. Six months postoperatively, the patient continues to do well. We also present a literature review of the mechanical complications following delayed presentation of myocardial infarction amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This article illustrates that clinicians should remain cognizant of these extremely rare but potentially lethal collateral effects during the ongoing global public-health challenge. Furthermore, it highlights a significant concern regarding the delay in first medical contact due to the reluctance of patients to visit the hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ventricular septal rupture and cardiogenic shock complicating STEMI during COVID-19 pandemic: An old foe re-emerges.

The COVID 19 pandemic resulted in a total reduction in the number of hospitalizations for acute coronary syndromes. A consequence of the delay in coronary revascularization has been the resurgence of structural complications of myocardial infarctions. Ventricular septal rupture (VSR) complicating late presenting acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is associated with high mortality despite advances in both surgical repair and perioperative management. Current data suggests a declining mortality with delay in VSR repair; however, these patients may develop cardiogenic shock while waiting for surgery. Available options are limited for patients with VSR who develop right ventricular failure and cardiogenic shock. The survival rate is very low in patients with cardiogenic shock undergoing surgical or percutaneous VSR repair. In this study we present two late presenting ST elevation MI patients who were complicated by rapidly declining hemodynamics and impending organ failure. Both patients were bridged with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to cardiac transplant.