A true left ventricular (LV) aneurysm is a localized, scarred, and thinned segment of the left ventricular wall that bulges outward during both systole and diastole. Unlike a pseudoaneurysm, a true aneurysm contains all layers of the cardiac wall. It is typically a late complication of a transmural myocardial infarction, where necrotic myocardial tissue is replaced by fibrous scar tissue, leading to persistent outward bulging and impaired cardiac function.
In cardiac ultrasound, a true LV aneurysm appears as a dyskinetic or akinetic outpouching of the LV wall, often with a wide neck connecting to the main ventricular cavity. Echocardiography is crucial for diagnosis, assessing its size, location, and the presence of mural thrombus, which is a common and serious complication. Understanding this condition is vital for medical professionals in diagnosing and managing post-infarction cardiac complications.
