[Ventricle septum rupture in acute myocardial infarct: clinical, electrocardiographic, angiographic and surgical aspects].

The findings in 17 patients with ventricular septal rupture are analyzed retrospectively. Clinically this complication of acute myocardial infarction was characterized by a new holosystolic murmur and simultaneous deterioration in patient condition. Infarct related conduction disturbances were documented in 7 of the 17 patients before the rupture occurred. Early repair of the ventricular septal defect was carried out in 9 patients, 3 of whom died in the perioperative period. Survivors showed a significantly higher ejection fraction (45.5 +/- 4.5%) and significantly fewer asynergic radiants (25.8 +/- 4.5) than nonsurvivors (29.3 +/- 2.5% ejection fraction) and (37.7 +/- 2.5 asynergic radiants). Owing to the high mortality during the first few days, patients with ventricular septal rupture should be assigned urgently to a cardiological center where it is possible to carry out cardiac catheterization, angiography and ventricular septal repair without delay.