title: Noninvasive evaluation of a left ventricular pseudoaneurysm: complementary role of echocardiographic and nuclear techniques.
abstract: This 45-year-old white male was evaluated for congestive heart failure initially ascribed to a rapidly progressive cardiomyopathy. Both radionuclide ventriculography and echocardiography correctly identified a left ventricular pseudoaneurysm as the cause for heart failure. Thallium-201 scintigraphy, by demonstrating a large perfusion defect, suggested a large ostium of the pseudoaneurysm. Following resection of the false aneurysm, a Dacron prosthesis was required to close a large posterior wall defect. We conclude that both radionuclide ventriculography and echocardiography can independently demonstrate a left ventricular pseudoaneurysm. The combined noninvasive approach is able to delineate various anatomical aspects of the pseudoaneurysm and help in planning adequate surgical intervention.
mesh_terms: D006328:Cardiac Catheterization; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000150:complications; D004452:Echocardiography; D006322:Heart Aneurysm / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000209:etiology; D006341:Heart Rupture / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D006352:Heart Ventricles; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging