Transmural myocardial infarction with coexisting critical aortic stenosis as an etiology for early myocardial rupture.

Myocardial rupture is the most important cause of post-infarct sudden death after myocardial infarction other than shock and dysrhythmias. Usually unrecognized, pseudoaneurysm formation is a delayed consequence of myocardial rupture in a small portion of patients who will remain at high risk for late rupture and death. Clinical studies have defined a profile of the patient who is at increased risk for post-infarct myocardial rupture. We believe that an additional factor, ventricular outflow tract obstruction, may add to the risk of having a post infarct rupture. A high degree of suspicion by the clinician accompanied by the timely performance of diagnostic tests may help to decrease the mortality from this catastrophic event.