Autopsy Findings in Ventricular Wall Rupture After Mitral Valve Replacement Case Report

Ventricular wall rupture after mitral valve replacement is an uncommon complication but often lethal. We report the autopsy findings in a case of a 77 year old woman suffering double mitral disease who underwent unsuccessful replacement of the mitral valve using a Saint Jude (ONXM 27/29) mechanical prosthesis. The patient developed consumptive coagulopathy and a type I left ventricular rupture. Her family filed a claim before a court pressing charges against the surgeon. A legal autopsy was ordered and performed. After our forensic report the family dropped the charges.