What Is A True Aneurysm?

In the field of echocardiography, differentiating between true and false aneurysms can significantly change treatment plans. First and foremost, a true aneurysm is not a rupture and contains all the layers of myocardium. The damaged myocardium becomes dyskinetic and bulges outward through diastole and systole. A false aneurysm, or pseudoaneurysm is a rupture contained by the pericardium that displays systolic expansion.

Understanding the key findings in each view will aid in the accurate interpretation of true ventricular aneurysms. This analysis includes 5 case examples and relevant teaching points.