This is most likely to occur in the first week between 4 to 5 days following the initial event, when the myocardium is the softest. The arrow marks the point of rupture in this anterior myocardial infarction of the left ventricular free wall. Note the dark red blood clot forming the hemopericardium. The hemopericardium can lead to tamponade.
Transmural myocardial infarction with rupture and hemopericardium
The pericardial sac is opened to display hemo pericardium. Such a massive amount of hemorrhage can lead to cardiac tamponade. This may result from rupture of the heart as a complication of myocardial infarction or an aortic dissection, when blood dissects through the media proximally.Hemopericardium