[Left ventricular pseudoaneurysm: a rare complication of acute myocardial infarction diagnosed by echocardiography]

Postmyocardial infarction left ventricular pseudoaneurysm resulting from free wall rupture is a very rare finding. Its recognition during life is even rarer. Definitive preoperative diagnosis is difficult, implying, in a great number of cases, the use of multiple imaging modalities. A case of a left ventricular pseudoaneurysm as a mechanical complication of acute myocardial infarction, which was diagnosed by transthoracic echocardiography, is reported. The authors emphasize its rarity, the diagnostic difficulties involved and the contribution of echocardiography to the characterization of that lesion, allowing a definitive diagnosis prior surgery in this case.