INCISIONAL ANEURYSMS OF THE LEFT VENTRICLE

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Abstract
Three left ventricular aneurysms that developed at the sites of small surgical incisions are reported. Of these, one was false and two were true. All were successfully repaired. The pathogenesis of traumatic aneurysms, true and false, is discussed. True aneurysms are ascribed to necrosis of a localized area of myocardium in the region of the cardiotomy. They are thus consequences of infarction and are in the same pathological category as the aneurysms that complicate coronary heart disease. False aneurysms are believed to be the result of partial dehiscence of the suture line from infection, or strangulation of the wound edges by the stitches. The uncertainty of diagnosis by clinical and ecg means is mentioned. Radiological diagnosis is considered in detail with special reference to cineradiography and angiocardiography, and its value is stressed. The complications of traumatic aneurysms are reviewed.