Skip to main content
Advanced Technical In the Industry Vocabulary Test

papillary muscle rupture

Complete or partial tear of papillary muscles, typically occurring as a complication of myocardial infarction.

Full Definition

Papillary muscle rupture is a rare but life-threatening mechanical complication of acute myocardial infarction, occurring in 1-3% of cases. The rupture typically affects the posteromedial papillary muscle due to its single blood supply from the posterior descending artery. Complete rupture causes acute severe mitral regurgitation and cardiogenic shock, while partial rupture may present with less severe symptoms. Imaging findings include a mobile, echogenic mass attached to the mitral valve apparatus with associated severe mitral regurgitation. Emergency surgical intervention is usually required.

Usage

Usage note: Distinguish from papillary muscle dysfunction, which is functional impairment without structural rupture.

In Context

  • "Echocardiography revealed papillary muscle rupture with a mobile mass prolapsing into the left atrium." — Emergency cardiology report
  • "Acute papillary muscle rupture should be suspected in patients with sudden onset severe mitral regurgitation post-MI." — Clinical guideline

Also known as

papillary muscle tear

Don't confuse with

chordal rupture flail mitral leaflet papillary muscle dysfunction

Editors from these organizations have used our services since 1998

Reuters BBC Oxford University Press Penguin Random House Springer Microsoft Suncor Energy United Nations Fisher Investments IBM The Home Depot KODAK CHEVRON