Left Ventricular Pseudoaneurysm and Left Ventricular Thrombus in a Patient Presenting with an Acute ST-Elevation

Ali Abbood1, Hareer Al Salihi1, Maxim Olivier2

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Orlando Regional Healthcare, Orlando, FL, USA.

Insights

Left ventricular pseudoaneurysm and thrombus are rare, lethal complications of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Prompt surgical repair is crucial for survival in patients not experiencing sudden death.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Cardiac Surgery

Background:

  • ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) can lead to acute left ventricular (LV) free-wall rupture.
  • Rupture, if not fatal, may be contained, forming a left ventricular pseudoaneurysm (LVPS) with an incidence of approximately 0.3% post-STEMI.

Observation:

  • A 73-year-old male presented with syncope and chest pain, diagnosed with anterolateral MI, lateral wall rupture, and LVPS.
  • The patient also had LV thrombosis within the pseudoaneurysm, which may have stabilized the effusion.

Findings:

  • The patient underwent successful coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), thrombectomy, and LV lateral wall repair.
  • LV pseudoaneurysm and LV thrombus are a rare (<1%) complication of acute myocardial infarction.

Implications:

  • This rare complication, often lethal, necessitates stabilization and surgical repair.
  • Early diagnosis and intervention are critical for managing LV pseudoaneurysm and thrombus post-STEMI.

Related Concept Videos

Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction

Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) encompasses a spectrum of heart conditions caused by sudden obstruction of coronary arteries, typically resulting from the rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque and subsequent thrombus (blood clot) formation. This obstruction can lead to partial or complete blockage of blood flow, causing varying degrees of myocardial ischemia or infarction.ACS includes the following clinical entities:Unstable Angina (UA)Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI)ST-Elevation...
108
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...
73
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...
80
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...
40
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...
76
Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction01:29

Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction

Pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a thrombus, fat or air embolus, amniotic fluid, or tumor tissue blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. These blockages originate in the venous system or the right side of the heart.EtiologyPE primarily arises from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and other hypercoagulable states, such as inherited thrombophilias. Additional etiological factors include venous stasis, commonly seen in obesity, and endothelial injury from surgery and trauma. Less common causes include...
170