Left Ventricular Aneurysm May Not Manifest as Persistent ST Elevation on Electrocardiogram

Olatunde Ola1, Carissa Dumancas1, Tuoyo Omasan Mene-Afejuku1

  • 1Department of Medicine, New York Medical College, Metropolitan Hospital Center, New York, NY, USA.

Insights

Persistent T wave inversions after myocardial infarction can indicate a left ventricular aneurysm. This case highlights the importance of considering this diagnosis in patients with evolving electrocardiogram changes.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Medical Diagnostics

Background:

  • Electrocardiographic (ECG) findings in left ventricular aneurysms (LVA) are varied.
  • Persistent ST segment elevation post myocardial infarction (MI) is the most common ECG presentation of LVA.

Observation:

  • A 67-year-old man presented with chest pain and acute MI, incidentally found to have an LVA.
  • His initial ECG showed only inverted T waves in precordial leads, not typical ST elevation.
  • Serum troponin I was elevated, confirming acute myocardial injury.

Findings:

  • The patient underwent cardiac catheterization and angioplasty.
  • Post-procedure, T wave inversions persisted in the precordial leads.
  • These findings were associated with the incidentally discovered left ventricular aneurysm.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should consider left ventricular aneurysm in patients with late post-MI presentations.
  • Newly inverted T waves in precordial leads warrant concern for LVA, even without ST elevation.
  • Recognizing diverse ECG presentations is crucial for accurate LVA diagnosis.

Related Concept Videos

Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction01:22

Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction

Mitral Valve Stenosis (MVS) is a heart condition where the mitral valve narrows, impeding blood circulation from the left atrium to the left ventricle. The etiology and pathophysiology of this condition are multifaceted, leading to a cascade of cardiovascular complications.Causes of Mitral Valve StenosisRheumatic Heart Disease: It is the main cause of mitral valve stenosis, particularly in developing nations. This condition arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory illness resulting from...
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 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...
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 II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations01:19

Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations

The pathophysiology of Acute Coronary Syndrome [ACD] involves several key processes:The main underlying cause of ACD is atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the buildup of lipid-laden plaques within the coronary arteries.As the atherosclerotic plaque grows in the coronary artery, it may become unstable due to the formation of a lipid-rich core and a thin fibrous cap. Inflammatory cells within the plaque, such as macrophages, secrete enzymes that degrade the...
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...