Left ventricular pseudoaneurysm

Abstract

A postmyocardial infarction left ventricular pseudoaneurysm occurs when a free wall rupture of the ventricle is contained by the overlying, adherent pericardium. Because patients frequently present with nonspecific symptoms, a high index of suspicion is needed to make the diagnosis. Although electrocardiography and chest X-ray abnormalities are always present, they are also usually nonspecific. Transthoracic echocardiography is a reasonable first step, and cardiac catheterization is the definitive test. Because of the pseudoaneurysm's tendency to rupture, the treatment of choice is urgent surgical resection. We present a case of pseudoaneurysm of the inferior wall over the left ventricle diagnosed two years after a documented myocardial infarction; the patient underwent successful surgical intervention. Copyright © 2006 JMS.