Idiopathic posterior papillary muscle rupture; a case report

Abstract

Background: Papillary muscle rupture is a rare condition. Its clinical presentation, diagnosis and management can be very challenging for the clinician. Case presentation: A 73-year-old woman with hypertension presented with chest pain, ST-segment changes, and elevated serum troponin levels. Coronary angiography was normal. Echocardiography revealed normal ventricular function, flail posterior mitral leaflet, and severe mitral regurgitation. She underwent emergent mitral valve replacement. Conclusion: The diagnostic and management strategies of this uncommon presentation are discussed.