One complication of a transmural myocardial infarction is rupture of the myocardium. This is most likely to occur in the first week between 3 to 5 days following the initial event, when the myocardium is the softest. The white arrow marks the point of rupture in this anterior-inferior myocardial infarction of the left ventricular free wall and septum. Note the dark red blood clot forming the hemopericardium. The hemopericardium can lead to tamponade.

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