A life-threatening infective pseudoaneurysm of the left ventricle in a toddler

Abstract

Pseudoaneurysms of the ventricle are an uncommon occurrence in children. They may be secondary to previous cardiac surgery or infection of the pericardial space. Infective pseudoaneurysms require urgent surgery because rupture of the pseudoaneurysm may have catastrophic consequences. The outcome with surgery is excellent. We report a toddler with ruptured pseudoaneurysm secondary to purulent pericarditis who recovered with an emergency surgical closure of the opening of the pseudo-aneurysm.

Keywords

• Cardiac infection
• psudoaneurysm
• pericardial effusion