Cross-sectional echocardiographic recognition of submitral left ventricular aneurysm

Three cases of annular submitral left ventricular aneurysm precisely diagnosed by cross-sectional echocardiography are reported from the Indian subcontinent. The cineangiographic findings are available in all and morphologic findings in two cases. The apical four-chamber view demonstrated a characteristically large aneurysm arising below the mural leaflet of the mitral valve extending anterolaterally and posteriorly and communicating with the left ventricular cavity in all the cases. Contrast echocardiography performed during cardiac catheterisation promises to be a good technique for the qualitative assessment of the associated mitral regurgitation. Cross-sectional echocardiography is invaluable in diagnosis and assessment of results of surgery in this entity.