True and false aneurysms of the left ventricle following myocardial infarction.

Anterolateral myocardial infarction resulted in the formation of both true and false aneurysms in a 75 year old man in whom severe congestive heart failure subsequently developed as the false aneurysm became progressively larger. Left ventriculography detected and quantified both aneurysms, and demonstrated reasonable function of the remaining volume-overloaded left ventricle. Resection of both aneurysms was accomplished with marked relief of symptoms. The literature on false aneurysm is reviewed, and the dilemma posed by the need to recognize false aneurysms before they become symptomatic or rupture is discussed.