Long-term survival with acquired ventricular septal defect after myocardial infarction

Ann Thorac Surg. 2004 Dec;78(6):2178-80. doi: 10.1016/S0003-4975(03)01449-8.

Abstract

Acquired ventricular septal defects (VSD) are rare and devastating complications after myocardial infarction. The long-term prognosis with medical therapy is extremely poor. We report on a patient who developed progressive heart failure within 3 months after myocardial infarction due to an unknown VSD. The left ventricular function was severely impaired. After diagnosing VSD by echocardiography, surgical occlusion was performed. In addition, a biventricular pacemaker was applied using epicardial leads. The patient recovered almost completely 6 weeks postoperative. Beside hemodynamic changes, biventricular pacing is potentially sufficient to improve the postoperative outcome of patients with severe heart failure in these conditions.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aneurysm / etiology
  • Echocardiography, Transesophageal
  • Heart Diseases / etiology
  • Heart Septal Defects, Ventricular / diagnostic imaging
  • Heart Septal Defects, Ventricular / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Myocardial Infarction / complications*
  • Stroke Volume
  • Survivors