SUDDEN-DEATH FROM RUPTURED SEPTIC MYOCARDIAL INFARCT IN AN INTRAVENOUS DRUG-ADDICT

A case of ruptured septic myocardial infarct with death from cardiac t amponade in an intravenous drug addict with left-sided infective endoc arditis and septic coronary artery embolism is described. To the best of our knowledge, there is no previous report of such a case in the li terature. Although uncommon, infective endocarditis with coronary embo lisation is a well-documented cause of myocardial infarction, although not normally associated with ventricular free wall rupture, and shoul d be considered in intravenous drug addicts who present with cardiac s ymptoms and signs of sepsis.