Purpose or Case Report: Left ventricular diverticulum is an uncommon congenital malformation defined as a localized, contractile outpouching of the ventricular wall. It must be carefully distinguished from acquired ventricular aneurysm or pseudoaneurysm, as the diagnostic implications, management strategies, and long-term prognosis differ substantially.

A 2-month-old infant was referred for advanced imaging after transthoracic echocardiography raised concern for an abnormal left ventricular contour. Cardiac CT and MRI confirmed a discrete outpouching along the basal to mid anterolateral wall, measuring approximately 2.1 cm in maximal diameter, with a neck dimension of 13–14 mm. Myocardium was clearly present overlying the outpouching, and the structure demonstrated preserved systolic contractility synchronous with the adjacent ventricular wall. No evidence of wall thinning, akinesia, dyskinesia, or delayed gadolinium enhancement was identified. Global biventricular function was preserved, and coronary anatomy was normal.
The initial impression suggested a basal anterolateral LV aneurysm; however, the morphological and functional features, including intact myocardial layers and preserved contraction, were more consistent with a congenital LV diverticulum. Importantly, the absence of clinical history of ischemic, inflammatory, or traumatic insult supported this conclusion.
The key differential diagnoses include congenital LV diverticulum, true aneurysm, and pseudoaneurysm. Congenital diverticula are contractile and narrow-necked, maintaining myocardial continuity. True aneurysms typically follow myocardial infarction or myocarditis and demonstrate dyskinesia and wall thinning. Pseudoaneurysms result from contained rupture, are characterized by absent myocardial continuity, and frequently have a wide neck. Careful assessment of wall, contractility, and enhancement characteristics are essential for accurate classification.
On follow-up echocardiogram imaging, the diverticulum remained stable in morphology and size, without evidence of thrombus formation or functional deterioration. Conservative management with periodic surveillance was advised.
This case underscores the importance of multimodality imaging in ventricular outpouchings, demonstrating how contractile morphology and myocardial integrity support the diagnosis of congenital LV diverticulum. Precise differentiation from acquired lesions prevents misclassification, informs prognosis, and guides appropriate long-term management.
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