Irish journal of medical science
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Clinical and angiographic findings are reported in a consecutive series of nineteen patients with post infarction ventricular septal defect (PIVSD). In all patients PIVSD complicated a first myocardial infarct and none had a history of angina pectoris prior to presentation. In over 50% of the patients PIVSD occurred within three days of infarction. ⋯ The mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 27%. Contrast left ventriculography localised the defect in all patients. Although a comprehensive cardiac ultrasound examination will generally confirm the diagnosis of PIVSD, preoperative coronary angiography is essential for the selection of those patients most likely to benefit from concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting at the time of surgical repair of the interventricular septum.