Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 13, 2026

Author Spotlight: Advancing Cardiac Procedure Testing Prior to Embarking on Large Animal Studies
Published on: August 25, 2023
An unfortunate case of subaortic left ventricular diverticulum
P Vinodh Kumar1, Asha Moorthy2
1Assistant Professor, Department of Cardiology, Saveetha Medical College, Thandalam, Tamil Nadu, India.
Insights
A rare left ventricle diverticulum caused exertional angina by compressing coronary arteries. Despite diagnosis, the patient experienced sudden cardiogenic shock and could not be saved, highlighting the critical nature of this condition.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Cardiac Surgery
Background:
- Exertional angina is a common symptom of coronary artery disease.
- Left ventricle diverticulum is a rare congenital anomaly.
Observation:
- A 38-year-old man presented with a year of exertional angina.
- Diagnostic tests revealed phasic systolic compression of the left main and proximal left circumflex coronary arteries.
- Echocardiography and MRI identified a subaortic left ventricle diverticulum as the cause of coronary compression.
Findings:
- The left ventricle diverticulum was compressing the coronary arteries during systole.
- The patient experienced sudden deterioration with cardiogenic shock before planned surgical intervention.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering rare cardiac anomalies in the differential diagnosis of angina.
- Prompt diagnosis and management of left ventricle diverticulum are crucial to prevent life-threatening complications.
- Further research into the pathophysiology and surgical outcomes of left ventricle diverticulum is warranted.
Abstract:
A 38-year-old man presented with exertional angina of 1-year duration. Treadmill was strongly positive. Coronary angiogram revealed a significant phasic systolic compression of the left main and the proximal left circumflex artery. Echo and MRI revealed a subaortic left ventricle diverticulum causing compression of the coronary vessels. Before the planned surgery, the patient had sudden deterioration with cardiogenic shock and could not be saved.
Related Concept Videos
Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction
Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction
Mitral Regurgitation I: Introduction
Development of the Heart
As the embryo undergoes lateral folding, these paired tubes approach each other, merging into a single primitive heart...
Development of the Lymphatic System
The first lymph sacs to form are the paired jugular lymph sacs located at the junction of the internal jugular and subclavian veins. From these sacs, lymphatic capillary plexuses extend to the thorax, upper limbs, neck, and head, eventually forming lymphatic vessels. Each jugular lymph sac maintains a...
Chambers of the Heart
Deoxygenated blood from the body is received in the right...

