European Heart Journal Advance Access originally published online on June 2, 2006
European Heart Journal 2006 27(24):2928; doi:10.1093/eurheartj/ehl061
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MRI findings of small isolated congenital left ventricular diverticulum
Department of Radiology, Cardiovascular Unit, Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, Bologna 40100, Italy
* Corresponding author. Tel: +39 3290475687; fax: +39 051349797. E-mail address: dr.matteo.renzulli{at}gmail.com
A 37-year-old man was studied for chest pain. No abnormal findings were noted in clinical examination and chest X-rays. The electrocardiogram showed sinus rhythm of 64 bpm and ST-abnormalities (ST-T elevation) in the inferior and precordial leads. Coronary angiography was normal and left ventricular angiography revealed normal ejection fraction and a small finger-like shaped image at the inferior wall. There was not a good echocardiographic acoustic window. The patient was submitted to MRI exam in order to better define the unusual aspect. The study clearly defined a small isolated diverticulum located at mid-inferior segment of left ventricular wall [short (Panel A) and long-axis (Panel B) spin-echo image]. On dynamic images, it appeared as muscular type because of changing during cardiac contraction, with maximum diameter in diastolic phase and complete emptying during systole [dynamic cardiac images in diastole (Panels CE) and in systole (Panels C'E'; movies 13)]. No abnormality was noted both in perfusion phase post-gadolinium and in delayed images at 5101520 min. Medical therapy including cardioaspirin and beta-blocker was given and a close follow-up (36 months) with MRI was planned.
In conclusion, MRI allows a complete assessment of congenital left ventricular diverticulum (LVD) identifying fibrous or muscular type and relationship with other cardiac structures. Because of its non-invasive nature and parameter reproducibility, MRI alone can provide excellent monitoring of LVD follow-up in patient treated with conservative approach.
Panel A. Short-axis spin-echo image.
Panel B. Long-axis spin-echo image.
Panels CE. Dynamic cardiac images in diastole.
Panels C'E'. Dynamic cardiac images in systole.
Supplementary movie is available at European Heart Journal online.
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