Left ventricular aneurysm and peripheral embolism as cause of atypical foot pain

Sudden occlusion of a peripheral artery by embolization or acute thrombosis results in acute ischemia. This is most commonly associated with sudden onset of severe pain, numbness and pallor. Chronic ischemia from peripheral vascular disease results in intermittent claudication. We present a case of peripheral embolization from a left ventricular aneurysm in a previously asymptomatic male who presented to the emergency department complaining of two weeks of pain in his left great toe. Included in the discussion are important diagnostic tests for peripheral thromboembolism and ventricular aneurysm as well as suggestions for emergency department management.