Pseudomitral Regurgitation Due to False Aneurysm of the Left Ventricle Treated Successfully by Surgery

A false left ventricular aneurysm developed during a seven month period following acute anterolateral myocardial infarction in a 54-year-old man. An apical systolic murmur which simulated mitral regurgitation was present; however, the left ventriculogram demonstrated no valvular insufficiency. Instead, the contrast was observed to fill a false ventricular aneurysm via its small communication with the left ventricle. Clinical recognition of this entity is emphasized as well as the importance of surgical resection once the diagnosis of false ventricular aneurysm has been established.