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Unusual presentation of a left ventricular aneurysm
S Ciaroni1, A M Rudhart, P C Fournet
1Rue de l'Université, 1, CH-1205 Genève, Switzerland.
Echocardiography (Mount Kisco, N.Y.)
|December 12, 2001
Summary
A rare case of left ventricular aneurysm was diagnosed in a woman with chest pain and normal coronary arteries. This finding highlights the importance of considering left ventricular aneurysm in atypical cardiac presentations.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiac Imaging
- Clinical Case Study
Background:
- Left ventricular aneurysm (LVA) is a rare cardiac condition.
- Atypical chest pain can present diagnostic challenges.
- Coronary artery disease is a common cause of left ventricular dysfunction.
Observation:
- A 42-year-old woman presented with atypical chest pain.
- Electrocardiogram revealed abnormal Q and T waves in inferior leads.
- Transthoracic echocardiography identified a posterior left ventricular aneurysm.
Findings:
- Thallium myocardial tomoscintigraphy confirmed a persistent defect in the posterior wall.
- Coronary arteriography demonstrated normal coronary arteries.
- Diagnosis of left ventricular aneurysm with transient ischemia was established by comparing current and old electrocardiograms.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering LVA in patients with atypical chest pain and normal coronary arteries.
- Advanced cardiac imaging modalities are crucial for accurate diagnosis.
- Understanding LVA in the absence of coronary artery disease expands differential diagnoses for cardiac pathologies.