A composite view of cardiac rupture in the United States National Registry of Myocardial Infarction

Objectives. This study was done to determine the incidence, timing and prevalence as a cause of death from cardiac rupture in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Background. Several clinical trials and overview analyses have suggested that the survival benefit conferred by thrombolytic therapy may be offset by a paradoxic increase in early deaths from cardiac rupture. Methods. Demographic, procedural and outcome data from patients with acute myocardial infarction were collected at 1,073 United States hospitals collaborating in the United States National Registry of Myocardial Infarction. Results. Among the 350,755 patients enrolled, 122,243 received thrombolytic therapy. In-hospital mortality for the overall patient population, those not treated with thrombolytics (n = 228,512) and those given thrombolytics mere 10.4%, 12.9% and 5.9%, respectively (p < 0.001). Cardiogenic shock was the most common cause of death in each patient group. Although the incidence of cardiac rupture was low (<1.0%), it was responsible for 7.3%, 6.1% and 12.1%, respectively, of in-hospital deaths (p < 0.001), Death from rupture occurred earlier in patients given thrombolytic therapy, with a clustering of events within 24 h of drug administration. Despite the early risk, death rates mere comparatively low in thrombolytic-treated patients on each of the first 30 days. By multivariable analysis, thrombolytics, prior myocardial infarction, advancing age, female gender and intravenous betablocker use were independently associated with cardiac rupture. Conclusions. This large registry experience, including over 350,000 patients with myocardial infarction, suggests that thrombolytic therapy accelerates cardiac rupture, typically to within 24 to 48 h of treatment. The possibility that rupture represents an early hemorrhagic complication of thrombolytic therapy should be investigated.