Echocardiographic recognition of partial papillary muscle rupture.

Acute papillary muscle rupture complicating acute myocardial infarction represents a potentially lethal complication of acute myocardial infarction. Survival depends on prompt recognition and institution of immediate medical and surgical therapy. We present two cases of partial papillary muscle rupture in the setting of acute myocardial infarction and describe the echocardiographic features that may allow early recognition of this condition before complete rupture.