Gd-enhanced cardiovascular MR imaging to identify left ventricular pseudoaneurysm.

A pseudoaneurysm occurs when incomplete rupture of the heart seals within organizing thrombus, hematoma, and pericardium and maintains communication with the left ventricle. A pseudoaneurysm may cause arterial emboli and drain off a considerable portion of ventricular stroke volume. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging proves to be an adequate technique to not only identify pseudoaneurysms but also quantify function measurements of the left ventricle and allow for projections of post-surgical function. When complemented with myocardial delayed enhancement, it is the best technique for identifying the viability of myocardial tissue, an important aspect in surgical planning.