Incidental Discovery of a Left Ventricular Aneurysm After a Syncopal Episode

Abstract

A left ventricular aneurysm is a rare post myocardial infarction complication. Ventricular aneurysms form as post-ischemic cardiac remodeling creates a weaker, fibrotic area that may bulge outwards against interventricular pressures over time. Patients with ventricular aneurysms have increased mortality and are at higher risk of various cardiac complications, such as cardiac arrest, arrhythmias, thrombus formation, reduced cardiac output, or aneurysmal rupture. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are critically important in these patients. We highlight the hospital course of a patient with an extensive cardiac history presenting for syncope with the discovery of a left ventricular aneurysm. The radiographic features of the left ventricular aneurysm are described, as well as formation, risk factors, and complications.