[Heart rupture as an outcome of myocardial infarct].

The authors studied the incidence and character of cardiac rupture in 109 deceased of myocardial infarction. Rupture was encountered in 21.1 per cent. Out of the 23 ruptures -- 21 were external and 2 -- internal at the intraventricular septum. Cardiac rupture is an occurence mainly in subjects over 60. Extensive transmural infarction was diagnosed in all cases of external rupture. The diagnosis was made while still alive in a little more than a half of the cases. In seven of the cases, the external rupture was with a protracted progress with the following clinical manifestations -- preceeding strong, refractory, continuous pain and anxiety, protracted shock state, prolonged pericardial friction. Characteristic ECG changes are described in case of protracted ruptures enabling the admittance of the rupture while still living. The authors express the opinion that in cases with protracted rupture, surgical life-saving intervention is possible.