[Large pseudoaneurysm of the left ventricle after posterolateral wall infarct]

Pseudoaneurysms of the left ventricle are rare complications after acute myocardial infarction. We report on a 69 year old patient with a large false aneurysm located in the posterolateral ventricular wall. It became clinically apparent during an episode of severe left heart failure. Echocardiography and left ventriculography allowed an accurate determination of localization and dimension of the pseudoaneurysm; coronary angiography revealed a proximal occlusion of the left circumflex coronary artery. Because of the high risk of rupture, a rapid surgical repair of the false aneurysm was indicated.