Aneurysm of the noncoronary sinus of Valsalva ruptured into the left atrium

Resonance imaging of a ruptured aneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva

Ruptured aneurysm of an aortic sinus of Valsalva is a rare cause of left-to-right shunting. We show how resonance imaging can be used to make the diagnosis. This technique can successfully characterize the shunt as well as determine the presence of associated anomalies, such as ventricular septation and aortic regurgitation. It may be the only study required prior to therapeutic intervention.