MS-0236

A 60-year-old woman who was discharged from the hospital 3 days ago presents to the emergency department with complaints of chest tightness and severe shortness of breath. While being evaluated, the patient suddenly becomes unresponsive and experiences cardiac arrest. Despite receiving appropriate life-saving measures, there is no return of spontaneous circulation and the patient is declared dead. Upon autopsy, a slit-like tear is discovered in the anterior wall of the left ventricle.

What factors may have contributed to the cardiac finding observed in this patient?