Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 18, 2026

Morphological and Functional Assessment of the Right Ventricle Using 3D Echocardiography
07:11

Morphological and Functional Assessment of the Right Ventricle Using 3D Echocardiography

Published on: October 28, 2020

Failure of gated SPECT and echocardiography to detect large apical aneurysm secondary to hyperdynamic left

Mohammad-Reza Movahed1, John Vu, Paul Lizotte

  • 1Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine Medical Center, Orange, CA 92868-4080, USA. mmovahed@uci.edu

Cardiovascular Revascularization Medicine : Including Molecular Interventions
|December 19, 2006
PubMed

Insights

This case highlights how standard imaging like echocardiography and gated SPECT can miss large apical aneurysms in coronary artery disease patients due to hyperdynamic walls, stressing the need for multiple imaging methods.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Medical Imaging
  • Cardiovascular Disease

Background:

  • Coronary artery disease (CAD) and myocardial infarction (MI) significantly impact left ventricular function.
  • Apical aneurysms are a potential complication following anterior myocardial infarction.
  • Accurate assessment of ventricular function is crucial for managing patients with CAD.

Observation:

  • A patient with a history of anterior MI and CAD presented with exertional angina.
  • Angiography revealed multivessel disease and a large apical aneurysm.
  • Echocardiography and gated SPECT imaging were performed to assess left ventricular function and ischemia.

Findings:

  • Both echocardiography and gated SPECT failed to detect the large apical aneurysm.
  • This failure was attributed to a hyperdynamic left ventricular wall at the aneurysm's neck.
  • Multivessel coronary artery disease was confirmed.

Implications:

  • Standard imaging modalities may not always detect apical aneurysms in specific patient profiles.
  • The hyperdynamic nature of the ventricular wall can mask significant structural abnormalities.
  • Utilizing multiple imaging modalities is essential for comprehensive left ventricular function assessment in CAD patients.
  • This case underscores the need for careful interpretation and consideration of complementary imaging techniques.

More Related Videos

Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure07:41

Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure

Published on: February 8, 2022

Related Concept Videos

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...
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...
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System II:Types of Echocardiography01:20

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System II:Types of Echocardiography

Echocardiography plays a role in assessing cardiac health and detecting heart conditions, with various types providing critical insights for diagnosis and treatment.
Types of Echocardiography
Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE)
TTE is the most common type of echocardiogram which involves placing a transducer on the patient's chest, emitting sound waves to create heart images. TTE is invaluable for evaluating the heart's size, structure, and motion, making it particularly useful for diagnosing...
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...
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction01:15

Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction

IntroductionAortic regurgitation is characterized by the backward flow of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole and arises from the improper closure of the aortic valve. This condition results in left ventricular volume overload and can stem from both acute and chronic etiologies, each contributing uniquely to the disease's progression and symptomatology.Acute and Chronic CausesAcute aortic regurgitation often results from events that suddenly impair the integrity of the...