Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Generation and Characterization of Right Ventricular Myocardial Infarction Induced by Permanent Ligation of the Right Coronary Artery in Mice
10:18

Generation and Characterization of Right Ventricular Myocardial Infarction Induced by Permanent Ligation of the Right Coronary Artery in Mice

Published on: February 1, 2022

Cardiac CT and MRI guide surgery in impending left ventricular rupture after acute myocardial infarction

Jens Vogel-Claussen1, Jan Skrok, Elliot K Fishman

  • 1Russell H, Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. jclauss1@jhmi.edu

Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery
|August 14, 2009
PubMed

Insights

A rare subepicardial aneurysm (SEA) was unexpectedly found in a patient experiencing chest pain after myocardial infarction. Surgical repair of the left ventricular aneurysm was successful, with the patient recovering well.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Cardiovascular Surgery
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Acute myocardial infarction can lead to various cardiac complications.
  • Subepicardial aneurysms (SEAs) are rare cardiac abnormalities.
  • Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for managing post-MI complications.

Observation:

  • A 67-year-old patient presented with worsening chest pain and dyspnea four days post-myocardial infarction.
  • Computed tomography (CT) and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a small subepicardial aneurysm in the left ventricular lateral wall.
  • Intraoperative findings confirmed focally thinned and weakened myocardium consistent with an aneurysm.

Findings:

  • The subepicardial aneurysm was successfully identified using advanced imaging modalities (CT and MRI).
  • The patient underwent successful aneurysmorrhaphy, coronary artery bypass grafting, and mitral valve repair.
  • The patient experienced a good recovery and remained well two years post-surgery.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the importance of considering rare complications like SEAs in patients with persistent symptoms post-myocardial infarction.
  • Multimodality imaging plays a vital role in diagnosing and guiding the surgical management of such conditions.
  • Timely surgical intervention for subepicardial aneurysms can lead to favorable long-term outcomes.

More Related Videos

Myocardial Infarction and Functional Outcome Assessment in Pigs12:03

Myocardial Infarction and Functional Outcome Assessment in Pigs

Published on: April 25, 2014

In Vivo Quantitative Assessment of Myocardial Structure, Function, Perfusion and Viability Using Cardiac Micro-computed Tomography08:13

In Vivo Quantitative Assessment of Myocardial Structure, Function, Perfusion and Viability Using Cardiac Micro-computed Tomography

Published on: February 16, 2016

Related Concept Videos

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...
Cardiac Catheterization III: Left Heart Catheterization01:24

Cardiac Catheterization III: Left Heart Catheterization

Left heart catheterization is an invasive diagnostic procedure used to evaluate the function and structure of the left side of the heart. It is generally performed to diagnose and treat cardiovascular conditions such as valve abnormalities, coronary artery disease, and congenital heart defects.Diagnostic and therapeutic purposesLeft heart catheterization serves various diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, including:Assessing coronary artery bypass grafts.Evaluating coronary artery disease in...
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...
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,...
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...