Intramyocardial dissecting haematoma mimicking left ventricular clot, a rare complication of myocardial infarction: a case report

BACKGROUND: Intramyocardial dissecting haematoma is a rare complication of myocardial infarction (MI) associated with high mortality rates. Studies and research of this occurrence are limited largely to isolated case reports or case series.

CASE SUMMARY: We report a case of late presenting MI, where on initial echocardiogram had what was thought to be an intraventricular clot. However, upon further evaluation, the patient actually had an intramyocardial haematoma, with the supporting echocardiographic features to distinguish it from typical left ventricular (LV) clot. While this prevented the patient from receiving otherwise unnecessary anticoagulation, this diagnosis also put him at a much higher risk of mortality. Despite exhaustive medical and supportive management, death as consequence of pump failure occurred after 2 weeks.

DISCUSSION: This report highlights the features seen on echocardiography which support the diagnosis of an intramyocardial haematoma rather than an LV clot, notably the various acoustic densities, a well visualized myocardial dissecting tear leading into a neocavity filled with blood, and an independent endocardial layer seen above the haematoma. Based on this report, we wish to highlight the importance of differentiating intramyocardial haematomas from intraventricular clots in patients with recent MI.