[Partial papillary muscle ruptures complicating acute myocardial infarctions. Diagnosis by transesophageal echocardiography].

Partial papillary muscle rupture is a rare but fatal mechanical complication of acute myocardial infarction. Survival depends on prompt recognition and immediate medical and surgical therapy. The partial rupture of an anterolateral papillary muscle was clearly diagnosed by transgastric two-chamber view during TEE in a 64-year-old man who suffered from acute myocardial infarction.