A 55-year-old man had a myocardial infarction 6 days before. He suddenly develops dyspnea, cough and frothy sputum. For the first time, a harsh systolic murmur is heard over the pr... A 55-year-old man had a myocardial infarction 6 days before. He suddenly develops dyspnea, cough and frothy sputum. For the first time, a harsh systolic murmur is heard over the precordium. Which of the following is the most likely cause of this development?
Understand the Problem
The question presents a clinical scenario involving a 55-year-old man who has had a myocardial infarction and is experiencing certain symptoms. It seeks to identify the most likely cause of these developments based on the provided options.
Answer
Ventricular septal rupture
The most likely cause is a ventricular septal rupture.
Answer for screen readers
The most likely cause is a ventricular septal rupture.
More Information
Ventricular septal rupture is a serious complication that can occur 3-7 days after a myocardial infarction, leading to a new harsh systolic murmur and signs of heart failure due to left-to-right shunt.
Tips
It is common to mistake the new murmur for a mitral valve issue, but timing and symptom profile fit ventricular septal rupture.
Sources
- Heart Failure Clinical Presentation - Medscape Reference - emedicine.medscape.com
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