ST segment elevation with ventricular aneurysm: results of encircling endocardial ventriculotomy

Discordance of diagnosis of ventricular aneurysm made by the electrocardiogram and myocardial imaging: “ST-segment counterpoise” as a hypothetical mechanism

There is a discordance between ECG and imaging modalities in the diagnosis of ventricular aneurysm (VA) consequent to an old myocardial infarction. A hypothesis is being proposed that this discordance, which results in electrocardiograms (ECGs) not showing ST-segment elevations (+ST) in patients with proven by imaging modalities to have VA (false negative, low diagnostic sensitivity), may be due to "ST-segment counterpoise," rendering the ECG isoelectric. Accordingly, +ST generated by myocardial territories involved with the VA, when poised opposite each other, cancel out via vectorial summation, rendering the ECG falsely negative for VA. Also, a misalignment of the apex longitudinal axis with the left ventricular inflow axis due to myocardial remodeling from the VA (boot-shaped heart) when the apex and another myocardial region are involved with VA leads to +ST cancellation and a false-negative ECG for VA. ST-segment counterpoise as a mechanism rendering the ECG falsely negative for VA can be tested in the future if studies of patients with VA adopt in their methodologies a systematic reporting of severity and topography [corrected] of the regional left ventricular contraction abnormalities, as recommended by the American Society of Echocardiography.

Left ventricular aneurysm: a review

The vast majority of left ventricular aneurysms (LVA) are secondary to coronary artery disease. The natural history of LVA is now better understood. The increasing use of noninvasive techniques has allowed earlier recognition and better appreciation of LVA genesis and pathophysiology. Improvements in surgical anesthesia and techniques have resulted in more successful LVA surgery. This article reviews the pathogenesis, natural history, and complications of LVA. Surgical indications and available treatment options in the management of patients with LVA and severe symptoms are presented. Left ventricular pseudoaneurysm (false aneurysm) will also be discussed.