Unusual form of cardiac rupture: Sealed subacute left ventricular free wall rupture, evolving to intramyocardial dissecting hematoma and to pseudoaneurysm formation— A case report and review of the literature

This report describes an unusual course of rupture of the left ventricular free wall, complicating acute myocardial infarction. Spontaneous sealing of the rupture site enabled close echocardiographic follow-up, during which we monitored the development of intramyocardial dissecting hematoma and, finally, development of a full tear in the left ventricular free wall, leading to the formation of a pseudoaneurysm. The pathophysiology, management, and diagnostic criteria of these processes are being revised. (J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2001;14:219-27.)