Reversible Cardiac Dysfunction (Hibernation) from Ischemia Due to Compression of the Coronary Arteries by a Pseudoaneurysm

Abstract

THE term "hibernating myocardium" was coined by Rahimtoola¹ to describe persistent cardiac dysfunction due to chronic ischemia that is at least partially reversible if the severity of ischemia is reduced. Myocardial hibernation has most often been reported in patients with severe atherosclerotic coronary artery disease who are undergoing revascularization procedures. We describe a case of myocardial hibernation due to pulsatile compression of the coronary arteries by a ventricular pseudoaneurysm complicating mitral-valve replacement. After the pseudoaneurysm was repaired, ventricular function gradually returned to normal.