Cardiac Tamponade Due to Cardiac Rupture in Myocardial Infarctiona Silent Killer

The cardiac diseases are the most common causes of sudden death. Myocardial infarction (MI) due to coronary artery occlusion is most important form of ischemic heart diseases and its risk is ever increasing in the Indian Population. Hemopericardium (HP) due to rupture of heart has been described as a complication in approximately 10% of patients with fatal MI. HP leads to the clinical state of cardiac tamponade (CT). We report two cases of sudden cardiac deaths who had undiagnosed coronary artery disease progressing subsequently to MI. Both the deceased suffered rupture of heart and died due to cardiac tamponade. The cardiac tamponade following heart rupture can be rapidly fatal. Its diagnosis is based on the high suspicion. All the patients presenting with sign and symptoms of MI should be suspected and investigated for cardiac tamponade to reduce mortality. Beck's triad i.e. hypotension, soft or absent heart sounds and Jugular venous distension with a prominent X descent but an absent Y descent and Paradoxical pulse gives a vital clue to the diagnosis of CT. Echocardiography further confirms the diagnosis.