Ventricular septal defect and left ventricular aneurysm - Late occurrence as complications of an acute myocardial infarction

Mechanical complications of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) such as a ven tricular septal defect (VSD) usually occur within the first week. In the th rombolytic era, the incidence of a VSD has not increased, but has been repo rted to occur earlier than previously described. We report an unusual case of an elderly Caucasian female with an acute anterior wall myocardial infar ction treated with thrombolytic therapy. Her AMT was complicated by pulmona ry edema secondary to a VSD and a left Ventricular aneurysm five weeks late r. Prompt diagnosis, immediate surgical closure of the VSD, and aneurysmect omy resulted in her complete recovery.