Atrial Rupture of the Heart

Abstract

This paper reports a case of atrial rupture of the heart and reviews 79 other cases collected from the literature proven by autopsy. Incidence, etiology, pathologic physiology, diagnosis and possible treatment are discussed. Infarction of the atrial wall due to an obliterative endarteritis or thrombotic occlusion is the most common cause of spontaneous rupture of the atrium. With a high index of suspicion of atrial rupture in a patient with atrial infarction or cardiac tamponade, earlier diagnosis and surgical treatment may become possible.