Penetration of the left ventricular myocardium by benign peptic ulceration: two cases and a review of the published work.

Two cases of penetration of the left ventricular myocardium by benign peptic ulcer are reported. Twenty five similar cases in the world published work are reviewed. The condition is only possible when there are fibrous adhesions between the stomach and diaphragm and the pericardium. In addition, the left lobe of the liver may be small. Alternatively, an ulcer within a hiatus hernia may erode into the left ventricle.