Early detection of left ventricular aneurysm rupture by two-dimensional echocardiography and surgical salvage.

A 52-year-old man was admitted to hospital emergency room with cardiogenic shock. The electrocardiogram showed normal tracing. Left ventricular aneurysm rupture at the posterolateral wall and haemopericardium was diagnosed with two-dimensional and colour Doppler echocardiography. The patient was operated on immediately and the defect was repaired. The patient made a good recovery. Four months later coronary angiography and left ventriculography were performed. The coronary vessels were found patent and there was minimal stenosis (lesser than 50%) at the proximal 1/3 portion of left anterior descending (LAD) artery. Left ventriculography showed anterolateral and posterolateral hypokinesis. The patient was symptom free and leading an active life 4 months later.