Congenital left ventricular aneurysm: A cause of impaired myocardial torsion and peripheral thrombo-embolic events

Abstract

Congenital aneurysms of the left ventricle (LV) are rare cardiac abnormalities and in most instances, are asymptomatic. However, some patients may present cardiac rupture, tamponade, ventricular arrhythmias, and eventually sudden death. Herein, we describe a case of a 64-year-old male patient who was hospitalized for critical limb ischaemia because of an acute embolic event. Transthoracic contrast echocardiography revealed a congenital aneurysm of the LV apex with a small thrombus and a reduced LV ejection fraction. Speckle tracking imaging showed an impaired myocardial torsion. Diagnosis was confirmed after surgical resection of the aneurysm. LV torsion and ejection fraction were normalized after surgery. © 2010 The Author.