Post-Myocardial Infarction Left Ventricular Free Wall Rupture Diagnosed by POCUS.

Division

South Atlantic

Hospital

Orange Park Medical Center

Document Type

Case Report

Publication Date

5-11-2026

Keywords

Cardiac POCUS, Cardiac tamponade, Emergency medicine, POCUS, Point of care ultrasound, Ventricular wall rupture

Disciplines

Cardiovascular Diseases | Diagnosis | Emergency Medicine

Abstract

BACKGROUND: ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a common cause of death and disability in the United States. A rare, though highly morbid complication of STEMI is a rupture of the left ventricular free wall. Prompt recognition and action by emergency physicians is essential. This report describes a case of left ventricular free wall rupture in the setting of a STEMI, diagnosed by point of care ultrasound (POCUS) in the emergency department (ED).

CASE PRESENTATION: A 72-year-old man presented with severe chest pain and STEMI on his electrocardiogram (ECG), days after an untreated episode of chest pain. Cardiac POCUS revealed a complex pericardial effusion with partially clotted blood, which raised concern for a rupture of the left ventricular free wall.

CONCLUSION: Cardiac POCUS enabled providers to quickly recognize a complex pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade in a patient presenting with a STEMI.

Publisher or Conference

POCUS Journal

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