A Case Report: Point-of-care Ultrasound in the Diagnosis of Post-Myocardial Infarction Ventricular Septal Rupture

Abstract

Introduction: Ventricular septal rupture (VSR) is a rare complication of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), typically discovered post-revascularization. Case report: We present the first case of VSR detected on point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in the emergency department immediately prior to emergent angiography, with management positively affected by this discovery. The VSR was quickly confirmed via right heart catheterization. Subsequently, hemodynamic stability was achieved using an intra-aortic balloon pump. A delayed surgical VSR repair, with concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting, was implemented for definitive management. Conclusion: This case highlights the utility of POCUS in a STEMI patient with a suspected mechanical complication.