Review
Copyright ©The Author(s) 2025.
World J Cardiol. Jul 26, 2025; 17(7): 109787
Published online Jul 26, 2025. doi: 10.4330/wjc.v17.i7.109787
Table 1 Epidemiological characteristics of acute myocardial infarction complicated by ventricular septal rupture before and after the implementation of emergency percutaneous coronary intervention, n (%)
Research object
Research center/country
Type of study population
AMI cases (n)
VSR incidence
Gender (male:female)
Implementation status of acute PCI
Year
Ref.
GUSTO TrialInternational multicenter (Europe and United States)AMI patients primarily receiving thrombolytic therapy36303798 (2.2) 1:1.2Thrombolysis as the primary approach1993[84]
PAMI-1 and PAMI-2Multicenter (America)AMI patients12954 (0.31) -PCI1995[85-87]
SHOCK ResearchInternational multicenter (Europe and United States)Patients with cardiogenic shock complicated by VSR after MI93955 (5.86) -Thrombolysis combined with IABP, partial PCI1999-2006[88]
MOODY Registered StudyChina (multicenter) AMI926552 (0.56) 0.625:1Thrombolysis combined with IABP, partial PCI1999-2016[89]
-International multicenterSTEMI, NSTEMI912636210344 (0.11)0.71:1Thrombolysis combined with IABP, partial PCI2003-2015[9]
Huazhong Fuwai Cardiovascular HospitalChina (single centre)VSR with percutaneous closure-810.72:1PCI and Percutaneous Septal Closure2013-2020[90]
Huazhong Fuwai Cardiovascular HospitalChina (single centre)PIVSR patients-2130.95:1PCI2018-2023[91]
CAUTION study(NCT03848429)International multicenterPost-infarction MCs-7201.46:1Thrombolysis combined with IABP, partial PCI2001-2019[92]
Narayana Institute of Cardiac Sciences, IndiaIndia (single centre)Patients diagnosed with post-AMI VSR and who underwent surgical closure of VSR by double patch technique-772.67:1Thrombolysis combined with IABP, partial PCI2002-2022[93]
Karachi Tabba Heart Institute, Department of Clinical Research in CardiologyPakistan (multicenter)AMI-VSR1142867 (0.6) 1.68:1PCI2011-2020[94]
First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityChina (single centre)AMI-VSR539542 (0.78) -PCI2016-2020[95]
Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityChina (single centre)AMI-VSR-1800.94:1PCI2016-2023[25]
Coronary Heart Disease Center, Fu Wai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical CollegeChina (single centre)AMI-VSR1235470 (0.57) 0.89:1Thrombolysis combined with IABP, partial PCI2002-2010[96]
Peking University People's Hospital ResearchChina (single centre)STEMI205716 (0.7) 1:111 cases of coronary angiography1990-2004[97]
-China (multicenter)AMI-VSR-1271.12:161.4% drug therapy, 24.4% TCC, 14.2% surgical intervention2012-2019[98]
Shenyang Northern Theater General HospitalChina (single centre)AMI-VSR-451.25:1Surgery, IABP/ECMO2012-2021[99]
Cairo UniversityEgypt (single centre)PIVSR-321:1PCI2015-2023[100]
Nanjing First Hospital Affiliated with Nanjing Medical UniversityChina (single centre)AMI-VSR-500.63:1PCI2012-2021[101]
National University of Singapore researchSingapore (single centre)Analysis of Pathological Characteristics of VSR in Asian Populations-401.2:1Histopathology combined with immunohistochemistry2010-2020[102]
A tertiary care center in South IndiaSouth India (single centre)Patients undergoing TCC-212.5:1PCI + TCC2000-2014[103]
Cleveland clinicUnited States (single centre)AMI-VSR-381.375:1PCI + Ventricular septal repair1976-2023[104]
Table 2 Comparative table of clinical characteristics of acute myocardial infarction complicated by ventricular septal rupture
Clinical factors
Clinical manifestations
Diagnostic methods
Risk factors
Prevalence (%)
Treatment options
Ref.
GenderThe proportion of females was significantly higher than that in the control group (62.5% vs 36.4%) Retrospective cohort analysisFemale is an independent risk factor62.5 (VSR group) Gender does not affect treatment selection, but women require closer hemodynamic monitoring[6,105]
AgeAverage age 66.85 years (VSR group) vs 60.79 years (control group) Analysis of clinical dataAdvanced age (> 65 years) significantly increases the risk-Elderly patients should be prioritized for interventional or surgical procedures[6,105]
Inflammatory markersCRP, D-dimer levels are significantly elevatedSerological testing (CRP, D-dimer) Inflammatory response exacerbates myocardial necrosis-Anti-inflammatory therapy (such as glucocorticoids) may assist in stabilizing the condition[106,107]
Myocardial injury markersTnT significantly elevatedTroponin testTnT levels are positively correlated with myocardial necrosis area-Early reperfusion therapy reduces peak TnT levels[108]
Hemoglobin Hb, Hct, and RBC were significantly lower than those in the control groupComplete blood count testAnemia may increase the cardiac workload-Blood transfusion support to maintain tissue oxygen supply[14]
Cardiac function classificationKillip classification ≥ grade III (78.1% in the deceased group vs 50% in the survival group)Killip classification assessmentDeterioration of cardiac function is an independent risk factor for mortality60 (Killip IV) IABP support therapy[25,34]
Myocardial infarction siteAnterior wall myocardial infarction accounts for 75%-84.6%ECG, echocardiogramAnterior wall infarction is prone to involve the blood supply area of the interventricular septum75-84.6Patients with anterior wall infarction require early screening for VSR[14,109,110]
Location of ventricular septal perforationNear the cardiac apex (anterior wall infarction) vs posterior interventricular septum (inferior wall infarction)Echocardiography (ventricular septal echo dropout, left-to-right shunt)Posterior perforation carries a worse prognosis60 near the cardiac apexInterventional closure is suitable for anterior perforations, while surgical repair is indicated for complex locations[58]
Perforation diameterAverage 9.8 ± 3.9 mm, large perforation (> 15 mm) are associated with higher mortality ratesEchocardiographyThe perforation diameter is positively correlated with the left-to-right shunt volume-Major perforations require emergency surgical intervention or occlusion[10,110]
Reperfusion therapyThe proportion of reperfusion therapy was low (0% in the death group vs 50% in the survival group)Coronary angiography (IRA completely occluded)Failure to receive reperfusion therapy increases the risk of VSR-Emergency PCI or thrombolysis reduces the incidence of VSR[10]
ComorbidityHypertension (60%); Diabetes (27.8%-46.9%) Medical history collectionHypertension and diabetes accelerate myocardial remodeling60 (hypertension) Control blood pressure and blood sugar to reduce cardiac workload[14,110]
Hemodynamic statusCS (90% mortality group vs 33.9% survival group)Hemodynamic monitoring (mean arterial pressure, heart rate)CS is an independent risk factor for 30-day mortality. (OR = 24.112) 90 (mortality group) VA-ECMO or IABP[14]
Laboratory indicatorsElevated white blood cell count and lactate levels (survival group) Complete blood count, lactate testElevated white blood cell count (OR = 1.619) is associated with mortality-Anti-infection and metabolic support therapy[58]
MELD-XI ScorePatients with a score > 15 had a 3-year survival rate of 35.7% vs 85.1% for those with a score ≤ 15MELD-XI score (Based on creatinine and bilirubin) High score indicates hepatic and renal dysfunction with poor prognosis-Patients with a score > 15 should be prioritized for palliative care[58]
Echocardiography parametersLVEF is normal (66.7% of patients), but cardiac function continues to deteriorateLVEF, LVEDD measurementLVEF is normal but mechanical complications are prone to be missed in diagnosis-Comprehensive evaluation based on clinical symptoms[14,93]
Coronary artery diseaseMultivessel disease (62.5%), with the left anterior descending artery being the most common infarct-related vesselCoronary angiographyMultivessel disease and absence of collateral circulation increase the risk of VSR62.5 (multivessel disease) CABG combined with VSR repair[14,110]
TimePatients with AMI to VSR time ≤ 4 days have higher mortality ratesMedical history reviewEarly perforation (≤ 4 days) presents fragile myocardial tissue and carries high surgical risks-Postpone the surgery for 3-4 weeks (if hemodynamically stable)[94]
Timing of surgical interventionEarly surgery (≤ 7 days) mortality rate 43%, delayed surgery (> 4 weeks) mortality rate 65%Analysis of Surgical RecordsThe timing of surgery is correlated with myocardial tissue stability-Hemodynamically stable patients are recommended for delayed surgery[111,112]
Interventional occlusion procedureThe 30-day mortality rate after occlusion was 32%, with a 3-year survival rate of 73.8%Percutaneous interventional occlusion (umbrella occluder)Blockage failure is related to the perforation location and diameter-Applicable to patients with hemodynamic stability and suitable perforation site[58]
Conservative treatmentThe mortality rate of conservative treatment was 61.5% vs surgery/intervention at 14.3%Medications (diuretics, vasodilators, positive inotropic drugs)Conservative treatment is only suitable for those who cannot tolerate surgery-Short-term transitional therapy requires combination with IABP or ECMO[113]
Merged ventricular aneurysm30% of patients are complicated by ventricular aneurysmEchocardiography or cardiac MRIVentricular aneurysm increases the risk of cardiac rupture30Resection of ventricular wall aneurysm combined with VSR repair[21]
Renal insufficiencyElevated serum creatinine (death group 138.5 μmol/L vs survival group 88.0 μmol/L)Serum creatinine testRenal insufficiency is an independent risk factor for postoperative mortality (OR = 1.78) -Preoperative hemofiltration or postoperative CRRT[14,114]
ArrhythmiaThe incidence of ventricular fibrillation and atrial fibrillation is relatively highElectrocardiographic monitoringArrhythmia reflects instability in myocardial electrical activity-Antiarrhythmic drugs or ICDs[115]
Thrombosis riskD-dimer levels were significantly elevated (death group 2.2 μg/mL vs survival group 1.0 μg/mL)D-dimer testHypercoagulability increases the risk of embolism-Anticoagulation therapy (such as heparin), but the bleeding risk needs to be balanced[109,116]
Pulmonary artery systolic pressurePulmonary arterial hypertension (> 50 mmHg) is associated with right heart failureEchocardiography (Tricuspid Regurgitation Velocity Method)Pulmonary hypertension indicates increased right heart workload-Reduce pulmonary circulation resistance (such as inhaling NO)[58,117]
Mitral regurgitationMitral regurgitation area shows no significant correlation with mortalityEchocardiography (regurgitant jet area measurement)Mitral regurgitation is mostly secondary and not an independent risk factor-After VSR repair, mitral valve function can be indirectly improved[118]
Hospitalization periodThe death group had a shorter hospital stay (6 days vs the survival group's 22.5 days)Medical record analysisShort-term hospitalization reflects a sharp deterioration in the condition-Short-term hospitalization reflects a sharp deterioration in the condition[6,109]
Long-term prognosis3-year survival rate: Interventional closure 738%, surgical procedure 70%Follow-up (survival rate, cardiac function classification)Long-term mortality is often due to heart failure or reinfarction-Long-term anti-heart failure therapy postoperatively (such as ARNI, β-blockers)[6,119]
Case distributionVSR accounts for approximately 0.2%-1.57% of AMIEpidemiological statisticsThe incidence of VSR has decreased in the PCI era, but mortality rates remain high0.2 - 1.57Enhance the popularization rate of early reperfusion therapy to reduce the incidence rate[98,110]
Table 3 Cardiac pathological characteristics and immunohistochemical results
Anatomic location
Pathologic feature
Immunohistochemical result
Perforation site
Complication
Probable cause of death
Ref.
Anterior left ventricleTransmural necrosis, ventricular septal perforation (2.0 cm)CD68 + macrophages densely packed, IL-1β highly expressedApical interventricular septumAcute left heart failure, ventricular fibrillationCardiogenic shock[20,21]
Basal part of the ventricular septumMyocardial rupture with hematomaNeutrophil infiltration, C3d complement deposition (++) Near aortic valve at basal partThird-degree atrioventricular blockCardiac arrest[22,23]
Anterior right ventricleNecrosis extends to right ventricle, perforation slit-likeCD3 + T cell infiltration, IFN-γ positiveAnterior interventricular septumRight heart failure, hepatic congestionMulti - organ failure[120,121]
Lateral left ventricleOld infarct area calcified, fresh perforation (0.8 cm)CD163 + M2 - type macrophages predominant, TGF-β highly expressedLateral edge of interventricular septumWall thrombus, cerebral embolismLarge - area cerebral infarction[122,123]
Middle of the ventricular septumNecrosis with abscess formationCD15 + neutrophils aggregated, Gram-positive bacteria detectedMiddle of the ventricular septumSeptic shock, infective endocarditisSepsis with DIC[23,124]
Inferior left ventricle Transmural necrosis with pericarditis CD20 + B lymphocyte infiltration, focal IL-10 expressionPosterior - inferior part of interventricular septumCardiac tamponade, cardiac ruptureAcute cardiac tamponade[125,126]
Papillary muscle root Papillary muscle rupture with mitral valve prolapseCD31 + neovessel growth, VEGF highly expressedPosterior papillary muscle attachment area of interventricular septumAcute mitral regurgitation, pulmonary edemaAcute pulmonary edema asphyxia[127,128]
Apical left ventricleVentricular aneurysm formation, thrombus at perforation edgeCD68 + /CD206 + M2 - type macrophage polarizationApical interventricular septumPeripheral artery embolism (mesenteric)Intestinal necrosis leading to septic shock[129,130]
Upper part of the ventricular septum Perforation with aortic valve ring tearCD4 + helper T cell infiltration, HLA-DR overexpressedUpper part of interventricular septum near aortic valveAortic valve regurgitation, coronary artery dissectionAcute circulatory collapse[131,132]
Right ventricular outflow tractNecrosis involving pulmonary valveCD8 + cytotoxic T cell infiltration, PD-L1 negative in perforation areaPerforation in outflow tract of interventricular septumPulmonary hypertension, right ventricular failureAcute right heart failure [133,134]
Posterior left ventricleTransmural necrosis extending to AV grooveIgG/IgM immune complex deposition, C1q positivePosterior - basal part of interventricular septum Complete atrioventricular blockAsystole syndrome[135,136]
Anterior edge of the ventricular septumMultiple small perforations (3 sites)CD66b + NETs formedAnterior 1/3 of interventricular septumDIC, micro thromboembolismMulti - organ microinfarction[135,137]
Basal left ventricle Transmural necrosis with ventricular wall ruptureTNF-α/IL-6 double - positive cells diffuseBasal part of interventricular septumMediastinal hematoma, pericardial effusion Hemorrhagic shock [120,122]
Posterior right ventricleNecrosis with fat infiltrationCD34 + microvessel density increased, Ang-2 highly expressedPosterior - inferior part of interventricular septum Pulmonary embolism, right atrial enlargementAcute pulmonary embolism[138,139]
Anterior interventricular septumVentricular aneurysm with mural thrombusCD47 highly expressed (anti-phagocytosis signal), fibrosis at perforation edgeMiddle of anterior interventricular septumThrombus detachment causing renal infarctionAcute renal failure [130,140]
Junction of the septum and right ventricleGranulation tissue growth in necrotic areaCD45RO + memory T cell infiltration, IL-17A positive in perforation areaRight ventricular face of interventricular septumRefractory ventricular tachycardiaElectrical storm[141,142]
Posterolateral left ventricleTransmural necrosis involving posterior leaflet of mitral valveMixed CD68 + macrophage and CD3 + T cell infiltrationPosterior papillary muscle area of interventricular septumAcute mitral regurgitation, pulmonary edemaRespiratory failure [123,125]
Apical part of the septumPerforation with left ventricular apical thrombusCD14 + monocyte aggregation, MMP - 9 overexpression in perforation areaApical interventricular septumCerebral embolism, lower limb artery embolismBrainstem infarction[22,143]
Right ventricular septal part Necrosis extending to tricuspid valve ringCD79a + B cell infiltration, IgA depositionRight side of interventricular septumTricuspid regurgitation, hepatic and renal failureHepatorenal syndrome[144,145]
Anterolateral left ventricleTransmural necrosis with epicarditisCD123 + plasmacytoid dendritic cell infiltration, IFN-α positive in perforation areaAnterolateral edge of interventricular septumPericarditis, pleural effusionCardiac tamponade[122,123]
Middle of the septumNecrotic area with eosinophilic infiltrationCD117 + mast cell activation, histamine release in perforation areaMiddle 1/3 of interventricular septumAnaphylactic shock, bronchospasmAsphyxia[124,146]
Posterior basal left ventricle Old calcified lesion with fresh perforationCD68 + macrophages and CD20 + B cell colocalizationPosterior - basal part of interventricular septumSplenic infarction, sepsis Septic cardiomyopathy[147,148]
Apical right ventricle Necrosis with fatty degenerationCD36 + foam cell aggregation, ox - LDL positiveApical part of right ventricle Pulmonary infarction, ARDSRespiratory failure with right heart failure [149,150]
Anterior part of the left ventricle interventricular septumTransmural necrosis with coronary artery fistulaCD144 + endothelial injury marker, VWF highly expressed in perforation areaAnterior interventricular septum near left anterior descending arteryCoronary artery - ventricular fistula, myocardial stealRefractory hypotension[151,152]
Junction of the septum and left ventricleNecrosis with lymphatic dilationCD68 + macrophages engulfing hemosiderinLeft ventricular face of interventricular septumChylothorax, protein - losing enteropathyHypoproteinemia causing multi - organ edema[153,154]
Extensive anterior left ventricleLarge - area necrosis (> 40% left ventricle)CD163 + M2 macrophages predominant, IL-10 highly expressed in perforation areaAnterior and middle parts of interventricular septumCardiogenic shock, lactic acidosisMetabolic acidosis causing cardiac arrest[155,156]
Posterior upper part of the septumPerforation with chordae tendineae ruptureMixed CD68 + macrophage and CD15 + neutrophil infiltrationPosterior upper part of interventricular septum near mitral valveAcute mitral valve flail, pulmonary edemaARDS[124,157]
Free wall of the right ventricleNecrosis with epicardial hemorrhageCD11b + myeloid cell infiltration, MPO positive in perforation areaFree wall of right ventriclePericardial effusion, cardiac tamponadeAcute circulatory failure[158,159]
Posterolateral left ventricleTransmural necrosis involving left atriumCD68 + macrophage polarization (M1 predominant), TNF-α/IL-1β co - expression in perforation areaPosterolateral edge of interventricular septumAtrial fibrillation, left atrial thrombusCerebral embolism with brain herniation[155,160]
Whole layer of the septumMultiple perforations (5 sites) with myocardial dissolutionCD4+/CD8+ T cell ratio inverted, Fas/FasL highly expressed in perforation areaAnterior, middle, and posterior parts of interventricular septumWhole - heart failure, hyperkalemiaElectromechanical dissociation[161,162]
Table 4 Analysis of the Association between major prognostic factors and clinical outcomes
Prognostic factors
Clinical impact
Evidence-based basis
Severity level
Management strategies
Timeframe of impact
Population specificity
Intervention efficacy (%)
Ref.
FemaleThe 30-day mortality rate among female patients showed a significant increase (OR = 4.263) Multicenter studies indicate that female patients account for 62.5% of VSR cases and represent an independent risk factorHighClose hemodynamic monitoring with priority given to surgical interventionShort-term (≤ 30 days)Female, Elderly patientsThe surgical survival rate has increased to 70%[7,13,163,164]
Age > 65 years oldThe mortality rate among elderly patients increased significantly (mean age of survival group: 57.4 years vs death group: 72.4 years)Logistic regression analysis showed that age was an independent risk factor for 30-day mortality. (OR = 4.956) HighElderly patients are recommended to delay surgery (if stable) or undergo interventional occlusionShort-term to medium-term (≤ 1 year)Elderly patientsDelayed surgery mortality rate drops to 6.5%[13,165-168]
Killip Class ≥ ⅢThe mortality rate reaches 78.1% in patients with deteriorating cardiac function (death group vs 50% survival group)Killip classification ≥ grade III is significantly associated with 30-day mortality rate. (OR = 24.112) CriticalIABP or VA-ECMO support, early surgical interventionShort-term (≤ 30 days)Merge patients with cardiogenic shockIABP support increases survival rate by 20%[13,20,119,165]
Anterior Wall AMIAnterior wall infarction patients account for 75%-84.6% of VSR cases, with a higher mortality rateAnterior wall infarction is prone to involve the blood supply area of the interventricular septum, increasing the risk of perforation. (P = 0.023) HighEarly screening for VSR, prioritizing PCI or CABG combined with repair surgeryAcute phase to short termPatients with anterior wall AMIPCI reduces mortality rate to 14.3%[13,163,169-171]
VSR Diameter > 15 mmThe mortality rate of patients with large perforations (> 15mm) significantly increasesThe diameter of the perforation is positively correlated with the left-to-right shunt volume, and large perforations require emergency surgerySevereEmergency surgical repair or interventional closureAcute phase (≤ 7 days)Hemodynamically unstable patientThe success rate of the occlusion procedure is 73.8%[13,105,169,172]
Time to VSR Onset ≤ 4 DaysThe 30-day mortality rate reaches 77.4% for patients who develop VSR within 4 days after AMIEarly perforation (≤ 4 days) presents with fragile myocardial tissue and carries high surgical risks. (OR = 12.646) CriticalPostpone surgery until 3-4 weeks later (if stable), supplemented with mechanical circulatory supportShort-term (≤ 30 days)Early-stage perforation patientsDelayed surgery mortality rate 65%[6,13,163]
Elevated Inflammatory MarkersElevated CRP and D-dimer levels are positively correlated with mortality (CRP 85 mg/L in the deceased group vs 27 mg/L in the survival group)Inflammatory response exacerbates myocardial necrosis, and elevated CRP is associated with mortality (P < 0.05) Moderate to HighAnti-inflammatory therapy (such as glucocorticoids), infection controlShort-term to medium-termPatients with concurrent infections or systemic inflammationAnti-inflammatory therapy improves prognosis by 30%[13,166,173]
Cardiogenic Shock (CS)The 30-day mortality rate for patients with combined CS reaches 90%CS is an independent risk factor (OR = 4.288), requiring VA-ECMO supportCriticalVA-ECMO combined with IABP for hemodynamic maintenanceAcute phase (≤ 7 days)Patients with hemodynamic collapseECMO support increases survival rate by 40%[13,21,166,174]
LVEF < 40%Patients with low LVEF showed significantly higher mortality (survivor group LVEF 45% vs deceased group 30%)Left ventricular dysfunction exacerbates shunting, leading to multiple organ failureHighPositive inotropic drugs combined with mechanical support to optimize cardiac function before surgeryMedium-term (≤ 1 year)Patients with chronic heart failurePostoperative survival rate 70%[13,169,175]
No ventricular aneurysmPatients without ventricular aneurysms have a higher mortality rate (OR = 12.646) Ventricular aneurysm may alleviate perforation tension, while non-aneurysmal myocardium is prone to secondary ruptureModerateVentricular aneurysm resection combined with VSR repair surgeryLong-term (> 1 year)Patients with complex anatomical structuresCombined surgery survival rate 85%[163,169,176]
Elevated TnT levelsTnT levels were positively correlated with mortality (3.56 ng/mL in the deceased group vs 0.31 ng/mL in the survival group)Elevated TnT indicates extensive myocardial necrosis and poor prognosis (P = 0.011) HighEarly reperfusion therapy reduces peak TnT levelsAcute phase (≤ 72 hours)Patients with extensive myocardial infarctionReperfusion therapy reduces mortality by 50%[13,165,177,178]
Delayed surgical timingEarly surgery (≤ 7 days) mortality rate 43% vs delayed surgery (> 4 weeks) 6.5%The success rate of surgery is higher after myocardial tissue edema subsidesModerate to HighHemodynamically stable patients are recommended for delayed surgery, supplemented with temporary mechanical supportMid-term (1-4 weeks)Patients with stable conditionDelayed surgery survival rate 935%[179,180]
Multiple coronary artery diseasesThe mortality rate increased in patients with multivessel disease (62.5% vs single-vessel disease)Multiple vessel disease leads to aggravated myocardial ischemia, making repair more difficultHighCABG combined with VSR repair surgeryLong-term (> 1 year)Patients with complex coronary artery lesionsCABG combined surgery survival rate 80%[13,166,181,182]
Anemia (Hb < 10 g/dL) Anemia increases cardiac workload and elevates mortality rates (survivor group Hb 12 g/dL vs deceased group 9 g/dL)Low Hb reduces tissue oxygen supply and accelerates the progression of heart failureModerateBlood transfusion support to maintain Hb > 10 g/dLShort-term to medium-termPatients with chronic kidney disease or bleeding tendencyBlood transfusion improves oxygen delivery with a 25% increase in survival rate[13,99,183]
Renal insufficiencyPostoperative mortality rate increases in patients with renal insufficiency (OR = 1.78) Elevated creatinine levels (> 138.5 μmol/L) are associated with postoperative mortalityHighPreoperative hemofiltration, postoperative CRRT supportShort-term to long-termPatients with chronic kidney diseaseCRRT support reduces mortality rate by 20%[6,13,16]
Elevated Lactate LevelsA lactate level > 4 mmol/L indicates tissue hypoperfusion and is associated with significantly increased mortalityElevated lactate levels reflect systemic hypoperfusion and are associated with multiple organ failure (P < 0.001) CriticalOptimize perfusion (e.g., ECMO), correct metabolic acidosisAcute phase (≤ 24 hours)Patients with shock or sepsisECMO support increases survival rate by 35%[13,166,184,185]
Diabetes MellitusMortality rate increased in patients with combined diabetes (46.9% vs non-diabetic 27.8%)Diabetes accelerate myocardial remodeling and impair healing (P < 0.05) ModerateStrictly control blood glucose (target HbA1c < 7%)Long-term (> 1 year)Diabetic patientsBlood sugar control reduces complication rates by 30%[13,15,186]
Lack of Reperfusion TherapyThe mortality rate reaches 66.7% in patients who did not receive reperfusion therapyReperfusion therapy reduces the incidence of VSR (50% of the survival group received PCI vs 0% in the deceased group)HighEmergency PCI or thrombolysis to restore coronary blood flowAcute phase (≤ 12 hours)AMI patients without contraindicationsPCI reduces mortality rate to 14.3%[13,169,187,188]
Postoperative CAR ≥ 2.83Postoperative CAR is associated with increased risk of complications (OR = 5.540) CAR predicts postoperative infections and organ failure (AUC = 0.767) ModeratePostoperative monitoring of CAR, early anti-infection and nutritional supportShort-term (≤ 30 days)Postoperative patientThe complication rate decreased by 40% after intervention[165,189,190]
Genetic PolymorphismsSpecific genotypes (such as IL-6 variants) are associated with exacerbated inflammatory responsesPreliminary studies suggest that gene polymorphisms influence the efficacy of anti-inflammatory therapy (further verification required)Low to ModeratePersonalized anti-inflammatory regimenLong-term (> 1 year)Genetically susceptible populationResearch phase, no definitive data available yet[191,192]
Table 5 Comparison of advantages and disadvantages among different treatment strategies
Treatment method
Indications
Success rate (%)
Complications incidence (%)
Cost-effectiveness
Ref.
Percutaneous interventional closure procedure (TCC) The condition is stable, the perforation diameter is ≤ 20 mm, and the location is away from the valve structures73.8 (3-year survival rate) 32 (Residual shunt, mechanical hemolysis) Moderate (requiring high-precision imaging equipment and consumables)[20,82,193-195]
Surgical repair (combining CABG) Perforation diameter > 20mm, multivessel disease, combined with ventricular aneurysm or valvular injury70 (3-year survival rate) 40-52 (Postoperative infection, cardiogenic shock) Low (The surgical costs are high, requiring long-term monitoring and care) [98,114,165,169]
Medical conservative treatment (medication + IABP/ECMO)Hemodynamically extremely unstable, unable to tolerate surgery or interventional therapy38.5 (30-day survival rate) 50-60 (multiple organ failure, hemorrhage) Low short-term costs, but high long-term expenses (requires repeated hospitalizations)[25,165,196]
Delayed intervention closure (occurring > 3 weeks after VSR)Myocardial edema subsides, hemodynamics stabilize, and perforated tissue becomes fibrotic96.3 (30-day survival rate) 10-15 (Residual shunt, arrhythmia) High (reduces the risk of secondary surgery)[58,82,193,197]
Early intervention and occlusion (VSR occurrence ≤ 3 weeks)Emergency rescue, unable to wait for delayed surgery62.5 (30-day survival rate) 45-50 (Perforation enlargement, occluder displacement) Moderate (urgent resource support required)[193,198,199]
VA-ECMO combined with IABP supportCS, hemodynamic collapse40 (Survival rate improvement) 25-30 (Lower limb ischemia, hemorrhage) Low (equipment and monitoring costs are high)[169,200,201]
Pharmacological treatment alone (diuretics + vasodilators)Hospice care or transitional treatment14.3 (30-day survival rate) 60-70 (Deterioration of renal function, electrolyte imbalance) Minimum (drug cost only)[165,202,203]
Interventional occlusion combined with PCI procedureSingle-vessel disease, late-onset VSR after PCI91.4 (Surgical success rate) 20-25 (Stent thrombosis, residual shunt) Moderate (requires phased implementation)[58,194,195]
Surgical procedure combined with CABGMultivessel disease requiring revascularization, combined with complex anatomical structures80 (Long-term survival rate) 35-40 (Postoperative infection, stroke) Low (surgical and rehabilitation costs compounded)[93,169,204]
Staged interventional therapy (occlusion first followed by PCI)Hemodynamically stable but requires revascularization85 (1-year survival rate) 15-20 (Secondary operational risk) Moderate (phased fee accumulation)[195,203,205]
Palliative care (anti-heart failure medications)Advanced age, severe comorbidities, limited life expectancy--Minimum (only basic medication costs)[105,119,165]
IABP standalone supportMild cardiogenic shock, transition to definitive treatment20 (Survival rate improvement) 15-20 (Lower limb ischemia, catheter infection) Moderate (equipment rental and monitoring costs)[118,169,206]
Emergency surgical procedure (≤ 7 days)Hemodynamically unstable, unable to wait for myocardial repair57 (30-day survival rate) 50-60 (Postoperative heart failure, infection) Low (emergency surgery costs and high risk)[83,111,165]
Delayed surgical procedure (> 4 weeks)Myocardial tissue stabilization, hemodynamic improvement93.5 (30-day survival rate) 10-15 (Postoperative adhesions, arrhythmia) High (surgical success rate improvement)[112,173,193]
Hybrid surgery (interventional + surgical)Complex perforations (multiple holes or serpentine tracts), residual shunts requiring secondary intervention75 (Overall success rate) 30-35 (Multi-stage complication risks) Low (high cost of multidisciplinary collaboration)[10,93]
Anticoagulation therapy (heparin/warfarin)Hypercoagulable state, embolism prevention-20-25 (Bleeding, thrombocytopenia) Low (primarily drug costs)[82,169,202,207]
Anti-inflammatory therapy (glucocorticoids)Systemic inflammatory response, significant elevation of CRP30 (Prognosis improvement rate) 10-15 (Risk of infection increases) Moderate (requires monitoring of infection indicators)[106,165,169,208]
Transcatheter thrombolytic therapyNo PCI conditions, early reperfusion requirements50 (Recanalization rate) 30-40 (Bleeding, allergic reactions) Low (medication costs are low, but complication treatment expenses are high)[58,169,209]
Pericardiocentesis drainageMassive pericardial effusion leading to cardiac tamponade90 (Symptom remission rate) 5-10 (Puncture injury, infection) Moderate (requires imaging guidance and aseptic operation)[116,210]
MELD-XI Score-Guided TherapyRisk stratification in patients with hepatic and renal dysfunction--High (optimizing resource allocation and reducing ineffective treatment)[58,82,83]