Traumatic Pseudoaneurysm of the Left Ventricle

Abstract

A pseudoaneurysm of the left ventricle developed in an 11-year-old boy following a trivial blunt trauma to the chest wall. This was detected by echocardiography 3 months after the injury. An echocardiogram performed 2 weeks after the injury demonstrated intact chambers. The false aneurysm resulted from myocardial contusion with subsequent gradual rupture of the left ventricle without coronary artery occlusion. The patient underwent a successful surgical repair. This case demonstrates the need for careful follow-up of all patients sustaining blunt chest trauma.