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What causes an apical aneurysm?

What causes an apical aneurysm?

An LVA is most commonly the result of MI, usually involving the anterior wall. Other causes of LVA include hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and Chagas disease, both of which can lead to the formation of an apical aneurysm.

What is apical aneurysm?

Apical aneurysms are outpouchings at the apex of the left ventricle, described as discrete, thin-walled dyskinetic or akinetic segments of the most distal portion of the ventricular chamber (Figure).

How is LV thrombus treated?

Intravenous thrombolysis has also been used for treatment of documented LV thrombus. In a report of 16 patients with LV thrombus on echocardiography, urokinase was infused intravenously at a rate of 60 000 U/h for 2–8 days in combination with intravenous heparin (200 units/kg×12 h).

How is an LV aneurysm treated?

LV aneurysms are manageable through medical treatment directed towards its complications with anticoagulation, surgical resection of an aneurysm in a large aneurysm, valvular dysfunction, or worsening complications.

What is apical thrombus?

For the purpose of this paper our definition of an apical mural thrombus is a distinct mass of echoes, most commonly seen in the apex throughout the cardiac cycle, and in more than one view. Mural thrombi are most commonly seen between six and 10 days following an acute myocardial infarction (MI).

What is the apical region of the heart?

The apex (the most inferior, anterior, and lateral part as the heart lies in situ) is located on the midclavicular line, in the fifth intercostal space. It is formed by the left ventricle.

What causes an apical thrombus?

A Virchow’s triad of factors – reduced ventricular motion, local myocardial injury and hypercoagulability/stasis of flow contribute to formation of LV thrombus. Reduced ventricular contractility – Blood stagnation in the weak non-contractile segment of the ventricle plays a major role in formation of thrombi.