Valvular rupture

Complications of MI include cardiogenic shock, heart failure, valvular dysfunction, various arrhythmias, pericarditis, stroke secondary to left ventricular (LV) thrombus embolization, venous thromboembolism, and LV free-wall rupture. 

Formation of vegetations may destroy valvular tissue, and continued destruction can lead to acute heart failure via perforation of the valve leaflet, rupture of the chordae tendineae or papillary muscle, or in the patient with PVE, valve dehiscence. Occasionally, valvular stenosis may occur. Abscesses can develop in the valve ring or in myocardial tissue itself. Even with resolution of the process, fibrosis of tissue with some residual dysfunction is possible. 

Aortic diseases can be classified in aortic enlargement (aneurysms) or tears (dissections) and in either case, the rupture may have fatal results. Aging can lead to atherosclerosis of the aorta with involvement of the aortic valve. This may result in valvular stenosis, regurgitation, aneurysm formation, and acute dissections. 

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