The rapid diagnosis of pseudoaneurysm formation in left ventricular free wall rupture.
Left ventricular rupture with subsequent pseudoaneurysm formation is an uncommon but potentially catastrophic complication of acute myocardial infarction. We describe a patient with suspected myocardial rupture in whom the diagnosis was rapidly established with the novel use of contrast echocardiography in an emergency room setting. Contrast echocardiography is compared to other modalities in diagnosing this rare, potentially fatal, condition.
California Pacific Medical Center, Department of Medical Education, 2333 Buchanan Street, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA.
Hursh
H
Naik
Dmitri
D
Sherev
Peter Y M
PY
Hui
D017541:Aneurysm, False / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D004452:Echocardiography; D005260:Female; D006341:Heart Rupture / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006352:Heart Ventricles / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D013997:Time Factors