Subvalvular left ventricular pseudoaneurysm: a rare complication of mitral valve replacement

A patient who developed a subvalvular left ventricular pseudoaneurysm following mitral valve replacement is presented, the fourth such case in the literature. The etiology of this uncommon complication is felt to be caused by excessive surgical resection of the diseased mitral valve, which may weaken or cause rupture of the heart at the mitral annulus. The diagnosis can only be made by left ventriculography. Surgical treatment is indicated, because rupture of the pseudoaneurysm can occur.