Left ventricular aneurysm: comprehensive assessment of morphology, structure and thrombus using cardiovascular

G J Heatlie1, R Mohiaddin

  • 1Cardiovascular MR Unit, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK. grant.heatlie@virgin.net

Clinical Radiology
|July 26, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging accurately identifies left ventricular aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms. This technique is crucial for diagnosing these conditions and detecting associated thrombus or myocardial viability.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Imaging
  • Diagnostic Cardiology
  • Medical Diagnostics

Background:

  • Left ventricular aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms are serious cardiac conditions.
  • Accurate diagnosis is essential for appropriate patient management and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the diagnostic capabilities of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) for left ventricular aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms.
  • To assess CMR's ability to detect thrombus and evaluate myocardial viability in affected patients.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 27 patients diagnosed with left ventricular aneurysm or pseudoaneurysm.
  • Patients underwent CMR at a tertiary referral center between 2000 and 2003.

Main Results:

  • CMR confirmed true aneurysms in 7 cases.
  • Unsuspected thrombus was identified in 7 patients.
  • Unsuspected pseudoaneurysms were detected in 7 cases, and unsuspected aneurysms in 6 cases.

Conclusions:

  • Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging significantly refines the diagnosis of left ventricular aneurysms.
  • CMR should be considered in all patients with suspected or confirmed left ventricular aneurysms.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System IV: CMRI01:21

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System IV: CMRI

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging, or CMRI, is a non-invasive diagnostic test that employs a magnetic field and radiofrequency waves to create precise images of the heart and arteries. It provides comprehensive information about cardiac anatomy, function, perfusion, and tissue characterization without ionizing radiation.IndicationsCMRI diagnoses various heart conditions, including tissue damage from heart attacks, ischemic heart disease, myocarditis, aortic issues (tears, aneurysms,...
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT01:28

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT

Cardiac computed tomography (CT) scanning is an advanced cardiac imaging technique that utilizes CT technology, with or without intravenous (IV) contrast, to produce accurate cross-sectional virtual slices of specific areas of the heart, coronary circulation, and major blood vessels such as the aorta, pulmonary veins, and arteries. The computer processes these slices to generate three-dimensional images. Multidetector CT (MDCT) is a rapid form of CT scanning that captures multiple slices...
Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests01:23

Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests

Mitral stenosis is a heart condition in which the mitral valve, which allows blood to flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle, becomes narrowed or stenotic. This narrowing hinders blood flow and leads to clinical symptoms requiring specific medical evaluations and management strategies. The following overview outlines the clinical symptoms, assessments, diagnostic findings, prevention methods, and treatments for mitral stenosis.Clinical ManifestationsDyspnea (shortness of breath): This...
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:22

Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Aortic valve regurgitation (AR) occurs when the aortic valve fails to close properly, allowing blood to flow backward from the aorta into the left ventricle. This backflow can result in two distinct clinical presentations: acute and chronic AR, each characterized by its own set of symptoms and physical findings.Acute Aortic RegurgitationAcute AR presents with a sudden onset of severe symptoms. Patients typically experience profound dyspnea (shortness of breath), chest pain, and signs of left...
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies

Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:21

Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Thoracic, aortic arch and abdominal aneurysms are significant vascular conditions that can present with various clinical manifestations and lead to serious complications. Understanding these manifestations and the appropriate diagnostic studies is essential for effective management and treatment.Thoracic Aortic AneurysmsThoracic aortic aneurysms often remain asymptomatic until they reach a size that impinges on adjacent structures. They typically cause deep, diffuse chest pain that radiates to...