71. Case Report: Post-MI Ventricular Septal Rupture – University of Michigan

CardioNerds (Amit Goyal & Daniel Ambinder) join University of Michigan cardiology fellows (Apu Chakrabarti, Jessica Guidi, and Amrish Deshmukh) for some craft brews in Ann Arbor! They discuss a challenging case of Ventricular Septal Rupture after acute MI. Dr. Kim Eagle, editor of ACC.org & host of Eagle's Eye View Podcast, and Dr. Devraj Sukul provide the E-CPR and message for applicants. Episode notes were developed by Johns Hopkins internal medicine resident, Eunice Dugan, with mentorship from University of Maryland cardiology fellow Karan Desai.  

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Episode graphic by Dr. Carine Hamo

The CardioNerds Cardiology Case Reports series shines light on the hidden curriculum of medical storytelling. We learn together while discussing fascinating cases in this fun, engaging, and educational format. Each episode ends with an “Expert CardioNerd Perspectives & Review” (E-CPR) for a nuanced teaching from a content expert. We truly believe that hearing about a patient is the singular theme that unifies everyone at every level, from the student to the professor emeritus.

We are teaming up with the ACC FIT Section to use the #CNCR episodes to showcase CV education across the country in the era of virtual recruitment. As part of the recruitment series, each episode features fellows from a given program discussing and teaching about an interesting case as well as sharing what makes their hearts flutter about their fellowship training. The case discussion is followed by both an E-CPR segment and a message from the program director.

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Patient Summary

A male in his 60s with medical history of obesity and GERD presents with five days of progressive chest pressure radiating to bilateral arms and associated with dyspnea on exertion. Due to worsening chest pain with new lightheadedness, he decided to come to the ED. His presentation to the hospital was delayed due to fear of contracting COVID-19. In the ED, patient was afebrile, blood pressure 96/56, HR 137, RR 22, and oxygen saturation 94% on room air. On exam, he was ill appearing, acutely distressed, and altered. He had a 3/6 mid systolic murmur loudest at L sternal border, JVP to 10 cm H2O and had crackles up to mid-lung fields. His extremities were cool to touch. Labs notable for Cr 1.5, High-Sensitivity Troponin-T up to 5756, and lactate 3.9. EKG showed incomplete RBBB, PVCs, and ST elevations in the inferior leads with depressions in lateral and precordial leads. Coronary Angiography showed mid-RCA occlusion with faint L to right collaterals. He underwent PCI with restoration of TIMI 3 flow. After PCI, he continued to be hypotensive requiring IABP and norepinephrine. PA catheter demonstrated (in mmHg): RA 26, RV 63/29 (31), 55/36 (44), PCWP 29, and CO 5 L/min, CI 2.2, and SVR 467. Shunt run of mixed venous O2 saturation showed: SVC 71%, RA 72%, RV 62%, PA 85% with oxygen step up in the R-sided circuit. Left ventriculogram then confirmed septal rupture with contrast extravasation from LV into RV. Due to worsening shock, he was stabilized on VA ECMO which was complicated by hemolysis and acute renal failure requiring CVVHD. On day 7 after presentation, he underwent surgery which revealed a large 6x6 cm ventricular septal defect on the posterior aspect of the septum and repaired with a large bovine pericardial path. He was eventually discharged after a prolonged stay and repeat TTE on follow up showed biventricular dysfunction and residual 1cm VSD.  

Case Media

ABCDClick to Enlarge

A. ECG: Incomplete RBBB, PVCs, and ST elevations in the inferior leads with depressions in lateral and precordial leads. B. Coronary angiography: mid-RCA occlusion with faint ...