The rapid diagnosis of pseudoaneurysm formation in left ventricular free wall rupture

Abstract

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.