title: Differentiating true versus pseudo left ventricular aneurysm: a case report and review of diagnostic strategies.
abstract: The differentiation of left ventricular pseudoaneurysm from true aneurysm is sometimes difficult. Given the propensity for pseudoaneurysms to rupture leading to cardiac tamponade, shock, and death, compared with a more benign natural history for true aneurysms, accurate diagnosis of these conditions is clinically important. Clinical symptoms, physical examination findings, electrocardiograms, and routine x-rays are not sensitive or specific for diagnosing left ventricular aneurysms nor for distinguishing true from pseudoaneurysm once detected. Our aim is to present a case report demonstrating these difficulties and to review the use of various cardiac imaging modalities in differentiating between these 2 entities.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.
authors.forename: Michael N
authors.initials: MN
authors.lastname: Cho
authors.forename: Sameer K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Mehta
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Matulevicius
authors.forename: Douglas
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Weinstein
authors.forename: Michael A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Wait
authors.forename: Darren K
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: McGuire
mesh_terms: D017541:Aneurysm, False / Q000175:diagnosis*; D017023:Coronary Angiography; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004452:Echocardiography; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D006322:Heart Aneurysm / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D006352:Heart Ventricles; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography