Annular subvalvular left ventricular aneurysm: A case report

Abstract

Annular subvalvular left ventricular aneurysm is a curious condition that has predominantly been seen in Africans. We describe a 36 year old man who presented with chest pain, recurrent syncope and left ventricular failure, and was found to have a typically located annular subvalvular left ventricular aneurysm. The aneurysm initially perforated into the left atrium and terminally ruptured along its free wall. The lesion was fully defined by colour doppler echocardiography and later confirmed at autopsy. Such aneurysms are not uncommon in Africa and need to be considered in the differential diagnosis of cardiac presentations, as appropriate and timely treatment can be effective.