Ventricular Aneurysm for Clinicians: Post-MI Red Flags and Decision Points

At the conclusion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Analyze the pathophysiological mechanisms and risk factors contributing to the development of left ventricular aneurysms (LVA) following myocardial infarction.

2. Evaluate the diagnostic utility of multi-modal imaging (Echocardiography, Cardiac MRI, and CT) in differentiating true aneurysms from pseudoaneurysms.

3. Synthesize evidence-based management strategies for ventricular aneurysm and related complications to support Patient Care decisions, including anticoagulation selection, referral timing, and monitoring for arrhythmias and thromboembolism.

This course reviews ventricular aneurysm as a complication of myocardial infarction and focuses on recognition, diagnostic evaluation, and management in routine clinical practice. It explains post-infarction ventricular remodeling, distinguishes true aneurysm from pseudoaneurysm, and summarizes the roles of echocardiography and cardiac MRI in confirming the diagnosis and identifying thrombus. The course also reviews evidence-informed management options, including pharmacologic therapy, arrhythmia and thromboembolism monitoring, and when surgical referral may be considered.

Ventricular aneurysms are often under-recognized in non-cardiology settings, leading to delays in diagnosing life-threatening complications like spontaneous rupture or systemic embolism. This course addresses practice gaps in imaging utilization and the lack of standardized care pathways for post-infarction structural remodeling.