C55. Intramyocardial dissecting hematoma, a rare complication after myocardial infarction : a case report

Intramyocardial dissecting hematoma (IDH) is a rare complication of myocardial infarction (MI) that contribute to high morbidity and mortality rate. There is scarce information in literature and hence management uncertainties. Additionally, coronary reperfusion results on the occurrence of IDH is still poorly understood.

A 49-year-old man with a previous anterior wall MI 3 months before without revascularization, presented with a recent onset of New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class IV heart failure. Echocardiographic diagnosis of IDH was based on the presence of a neocavity with an endomyocardial border extending from the LV mid inferoseptal wall to the apical segments, corroborated with cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). Coronary angiography showed severe three-vessel disease. The patient underwent staged complete revascularization and kept on optimal medical management. With non-surgical treatment, the patient remained clinically stable and showed a gradual improvement. Repeated echocardiography up to one year after the initial diagnosis demonstrated regression of the haematoma.

An unusual form of myocardial rupture that can complicate acute myocardial infarction is IDH. The diagnosis can be missed in some cases. Transthoracic echocardiography may allow diagnosing and evaluating IDH at the bedside. Controversy exists regarding whether surgical repair or conservative treatment is the best option for this condition. The appropriate management should be individualized. Conservative treatment in clinically stable patients suffering from IDH following MI and coronary intervention can be a feasible option.