Ruptured Papillary Muscle Following Myocardial Infarction with Long Survival

Abstract

Two cases of rupture of a papillary muscle of the left ventricle are presented. We believe that these are the two longest recorded survivals of this complication of acute myocardial infarction. A presumptive clinical diagnosis is possible from the characteristic history of sudden deterioration together with the development of a loud apical systolic murmur. The differential diagnosis and the possibility of corrective surgery in a patient who survives the acute event are discussed.