A large left ventricular pseudoaneurysm in Behçet's disease: a case report

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Rheumatology
• Vascular Surgery

Background:

• Behçet's disease is a multisystem inflammatory disorder primarily affecting the vascular system.
• While arterial pseudoaneurysms are common, cardiac involvement, particularly left ventricular pseudoaneurysms, is exceptionally rare.
• This condition is more prevalent in Asian and Mediterranean populations.

Observation:

• A case report details a 13-year-old male with a 4-year history of Behçet's disease.
• The patient presented with symptoms including cough, chills, fever, and chest pain.
• Diagnostic imaging, including echocardiography, MRI, CT, and coronary angiography, confirmed a large left ventricular pseudoaneurysm.

Findings:

• Surgical intervention was performed for the left ventricular pseudoaneurysm.
• The patient experienced no complications during a 24-month follow-up period post-surgery.
• This case highlights the potential for rare cardiac manifestations in Behçet's disease.

Implications:

• The nonspecific symptoms of cardiac pseudoaneurysms necessitate a high index of suspicion in Behçet's disease patients.
• Early diagnosis and management are crucial due to the potentially fatal nature of cardiac pseudoaneurysms.
• This case underscores the importance of considering cardiac complications in the long-term management of Behçet's disease.