Left Ventricular Pseudoaneurysm: A Bursting Threat

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Cardiac Trauma
• Echocardiography

Background:

• Penetrating cardiac trauma can lead to delayed cardiac complications.
• Mitral regurgitation and pseudoaneurysms are potential sequelae of cardiac injury.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of delayed cardiac complications following stab wound injury.
• To describe the diagnostic and therapeutic approach for post-traumatic mitral regurgitation and left ventricular pseudoaneurysm.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 55-year-old male with cardiac perforation.
• Diagnostic imaging included serial transthoracic echocardiograms.
• Surgical intervention involved pseudoaneurysm exclusion and mitral valvuloplasty.

Main Results:

• The patient developed moderate-severe mitral regurgitation one month post-injury.
• A left ventricular pseudoaneurysm was identified six months after the initial trauma.
• Successful surgical repair of both cardiac defects was achieved.

Conclusions:

• Delayed diagnosis and management of cardiac complications after trauma are crucial.
• Surgical intervention can effectively treat post-traumatic pseudoaneurysms and mitral regurgitation.
• This case highlights the importance of long-term cardiac monitoring after penetrating chest injuries.