Anterior wall ventricular pseudoaneurysm presenting as dizziness and syncope

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Emergency Medicine
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Ventricular pseudoaneurysm rupture is a rare but life-threatening complication, particularly following acute myocardial infarction.
• Its occurrence in the era of advanced percutaneous coronary intervention highlights the need for vigilance in emergency settings.

Observation:

• A 58-year-old male presented with dizziness and syncope, indicative of a critical cardiac event.
• Emergency department imaging, including computed tomography and ultrasound, revealed a ventricular pseudoaneurysm with hemopericardium and early cardiac tamponade.

Findings:

• Point-of-care ultrasound demonstrated significant utility in the rapid diagnosis of ventricular pseudoaneurysm rupture.
• The diagnostic findings of hemopericardium and cardiac tamponade necessitated immediate surgical intervention.

Implications:

• Early detection of ventricular pseudoaneurysm rupture via point-of-care ultrasound can significantly improve patient outcomes.
• This case underscores the importance of ultrasound in emergency departments for identifying rare, critical cardiac complications.
• Guidelines for imaging and management of ventricular pseudoaneurysms require ongoing evaluation in light of evolving medical technologies.