Pseudoaneurysm of the left ventricular free wall occurring after cardiac surgery of endocarditis affecting mitral and aortic valves: a case report

Abstract

Background: Infective endocarditis remains a serious condition. Left ventricular pseudoaneurysm may complicate the clinical course of infective endocarditis or occur postoperatively. Case presentation: We describe a case of a pseudoaneurysm of the left ventricular lateral wall which developed one month following cardiac surgery of active endocarditis affecting aortic and mitral valves. The diagnosis was established by transthoracic echocardiography and computed tomography angiography of the chest. Urgent cardiac surgery is performed with excision of the pseudoaneurysm and direct closure of the defect. The patient had a complete recovery and was discharged on the twelfth postoperative day. Conclusions: Left ventricular pseudoaneurysms are rare but potentially fatal. The symptoms revealing such complications are very diverse. Surgical treatment can be offered to younger patients.