SUBACUTE HEART RUPTURE AND HEMOPERICARDIUM FOLLOWING ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION: REPORT OF SUCCESSFUL TREATMENT AND TEN YEAR FOLLOW-UP

Abstract
Hemopericardium complicating acute myocardial infarction generally has a poor prognosis. Two cases of this complication, one due to subacute rupture of the free left ventricular wall, are reported. Both patients are still alive and well ten years after urgent surgical intervention. Good long-term results are possible in this condition if diagnosis and surgical intervention are not delayed.