Aneurysm of the Right Ventricle Caused by Selective Angiocardiography

Two cases are reported of aneurysm formation in the outflow tract and body of the right ventricle following selective angiocardiography. The technic and complications of angiocardiography in our hands have been reviewed, and it is concluded that there is no absolute means of preventing injections of contrast material into the wall of the ventricle, if multiple side hole catheters are used. It seems probably that single end hole catheters are safer than multiple side hole catheters for selective ventriculography. The first patient developed a marked pulsation in the second and third left intercostal spaces together with changes in the plain x-ray that permitted a preoperative diagnosis of aneurysm. The second case was diagnosed at operation. The first patient developed variable cyanosis preoperatively, and during operative correction arterial desaturation together with hypotension. These changes were attributed to outflow tract obstruction by the aneurysm.