Rupture of Left Ventricular Aneurysm in Infant: Case Report

Rupture of ventricular aneurysm is an unusual pathology in children. This case describes a preterm infant who had been in the hospital since birth due to necrotizing enterocolitis, which was complicated by narrowing of the ascending colon that required surgery. Throughout the entire period, the infant exhibited signs of infection, first caused by Staphylococcus haemolyticus and subsequently by Staphylococcus epidermidis. Several echocardiographic examinations did not reveal any significant changes; however, the final echocardiography revealed a structure connected to the left ventricular cavity. The infant experienced sudden cardiac arrest due to significant pericardial effusion. Despite continued resuscitation efforts, including emergency pericardiocentesis, the asystole recurred, further advanced life support measures were unsuccessful, and death was pronounced. Autopsy revealed a small outpouching on the anterior wall of the left ventricle, associated with thinning of the myocardium and a linear rupture with uneven edges. Histological examination showed that the aneurysm wall was composed of myocardium and connective tissue, exhibiting signs of inflammation, necrosis, and hemorrhage.