Large pseudoaneurysm of the left ventricle after posterolateral myocardialinfarction

Pseudoaneurysms of the left ventricle are rare complications after acute my ocardial infarction. We report on a 69 year old patient with a large false aneurysm located in the posterolateral ventricular wall. It became clinical ly apparent during an episode of severe left heart failure. Echocardiograph y and left ventriculography allowed an accurate determination of localizati on and dimension of the pseudoaneurysm; coronary angiography revealed a pro ximal occlusion of the left circumflex coronary artery. Because of the high risk of rupture, a rapid surgical repair of the false aneurysm was indicat ed.