Electrocardiogram during cardiac ruture by myocardial infarction.

In 100 patients with acute myocardial infarction the electrocardiogram was continuously registered during 72 hours. Nine patients died of ventricular rupture (eight of the left ventricular free wall and one of the ventricular septum). In eight cases death occurred while the electrocardiogram was being recorded. A specific pattern of electrocardiographic changes seems to occur during acute tamponade, i.e. slowing of sinus rhythm followed by nodal rhythm.