Selective non-operative management of a left ventricular pseudoaneurysm after penetrating cardiac wound

Abstract

Post-traumatic cardiac pseudoaneurysm (PSA) is a rare, potentially life-threatening complication after penetrating cardiac injury. Early surgical intervention has been the treatment of choice for this sequela due to the risk of rupture. Nevertheless, selective non-operative management (SNOM) has been practiced in patients with postinfarct PSA that are small and stable. We report a case of a post-traumatic cardiac PSA subjected to SNOM.

Keywords

• Cardiac injury
• non-operative management
• penetrating chest trauma
• ventricular pseudoaneurysm