Annular subvalvular left ventricular aneurysm in Bahia, Brazil

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Radiology
• Cardiovascular Imaging

Background:

• Left ventricular aneurysm is a rare condition, often presenting with diverse clinical and imaging findings.
• Previous descriptions have noted similarities between certain aneurysms and the annular submitral type, particularly in specific ethnic groups.

Observation:

• Two cases of left ventricular aneurysm in a 16-year-old male and a 23-year-old female from Brazil are detailed.
• Radiographic findings included cardiac silhouette enlargement, left inferior border bulge, and calcification at the ventricular opening.
• Left ventriculography revealed a large aneurysm in one patient and a lateral wall bulge in the other.

Findings:

• Cardiac catheterization demonstrated elevated left and right ventricular end-diastolic pressures and mean pulmonary artery pressure.
• One case exhibited a restrictive pattern on the right ventricular pressure curve.
• The observed aneurysms share characteristics with the annular submitral type described in young black Africans.

Implications:

• These cases expand the understanding of left ventricular aneurysm presentation in diverse populations.
• The findings underscore the utility of advanced imaging and hemodynamic assessment in diagnosing and characterizing these aneurysms.
• Recognizing similarities with submitral aneurysms may aid in differential diagnosis and management strategies for similar cardiac pathologies.