Post-myocardial infarction left ventricular septal dissecting aneurysm: a case report

BACKGROUND: Post-infarction perforation of the ventricular septum is recognized as a major complication of post-myocardial infarction. However, post-infarction ventricle dissection is seldom reported, as the ventricular shunt often accompanying this condition is a significant cause of cardiogenic shock. We encountered a rare case of ventricular dissection unaccompanied by a shunt, which caused a state of shock. CASE PRESENTATION: A 67-year-old man was diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction with a left ventricular oozing rupture. The occlusion of the left anterior descending artery was aspirated, followed by drainage of the pericardial bleeding and hemostasis of the left ventricle. After 15 h, he presented with sudden cardiogenic shock requiring extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation. The transesophageal echocardiogram showed a left ventricular septal aneurysm. Five days later, he underwent an operation, in which a ventricular septal wall dissection with a tear-forming large pseudoaneurysm was found. The tear was closed with a patch. He was weaned off extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation the next day. Αfter 4 months, he was discharged in a stable condition. CONCLUSIONS: Recognizing and identifying the cause of cardiogenic shock after myocardial infarction is crucial to provide the best treatment and surgical approach. Ventricular septal dissection should be considered, in addition to the usual complications, such as possible papillary muscle rupture, cardiac rupture, and perforation of the interventricular septum.