Pseudoaneurysms of the heart - An unusual complication after myocardial infarction

Background and Study Aims: Pseudoaneurysms (or false aneurysms) of the heart are very rare and develop usually after free wall rupture as a result of myocardial infarction. Patients and Methods: Of 138 patients undergoing surgery for a left ventricular aneurysm in a 15-year-period (1980-1994) only 4 patients had had a pseudoaneurysm. Repair was accomplished by resection of the false aneurysm and direct closure of the defect over Teflon felt Three patients underwent additional coronary artery bypass grafting Results: All 4 patients developed the condition after myocardial infarction. The interval between myocardial infarction and diagnosis of the pseudoaneurysm was between one month and 5 years, All patients survived the operation and remained well after a mean follow-up period of 136 months. Conclusion: The detection of pseudoaneurysms of the heart is indication for surgical treatment because of their tendency for rupture The results of surgical repair are excellent.