FALSE ANEURYSM OF THE LEFT-VENTRICLE - REPORT OF 4 CASES AND REVIEW OF SURGICAL MANAGEMENT

  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 189  (4) , 409-415
Abstract
False aneurysms of the left ventricle were repaired in 4 patients (average age 61 yr). The etiology was myocardial infarction in 3 patients and disruption of an apical left ventricular cannulation site in the 4th. The interval from initiating event to surgery averaged 11 mo. A patient in cardiogenic shock died from myocardial failure during surgery. The other 3 patients, in functional class III at the time of surgery, survived and are currently asymptomatic. The literature records 43 patients who have undergone surgical repair of a false aneurysm of the left ventricle; 27 (63%) were under 50 yr old. The causes were myocardial infarction (12), operative injury (13), penetrating trauma (11) and blunt trauma (7). In those who were limited by symptoms, congestive heart failure predominated. Of the patients 47% were operated on in the first 5 mo. after the initiating event; 61% within the 1st year. Only 4 patients underwent surgery more than 48 mo. after the myocardial insult. Thrombus was present in 28% of the aneurysms. Morbidity was recorded in 9 patients; 6 patients (14%) died. The necessity for early surgical repair and the relatively low operative mortality obtained with this lethal lesion are documented.