Aortic sinus of Valsalva aneurysms simulating primary right-sided valvular heart disease

Chronic aortic dissection with tricuspid regurgitation: report of a case

Dilatation of aortic root may distort the tricuspid annulus. We experienced a case of chronic aortic dissection presented with tricuspid regurgitation. Chest computed tomography revealed an enlarged ascending aorta displacing the right heart. The patient successfully underwent replacement of the aorta and tricuspid annuloplasty with a prosthetic annulus.

Multiple unruptured aortic sinus of Valsalva aneurysms: A rare presentation

Aneurysms of sinus of Valsalva, usually a rare presentation, account for 0.1%-3.5% of congenital heart defects. They rarely present unless rupture occurs. There are very few cases of unruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysms that presented with myocardial ischemia, symptomatic cardiac dysfunction, and conduction abnormalities. We present a case of multiple unruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysms with particular emphasis on the transesophageal echocardiography.

Unruptured Congenital Aneurysm of the Sinus of Valsalva Associated with LV-RA Communication. Surgical Repair in an Infant—A Case Report

A case of a six-year-old girl with an unruptured aneurysm of the sinus Val salva with a left ventricle-right atrium communication is reported. Emphasis is put on the diagnostic value of the echocardiogram, especially for differentiation of the sinus of Valsalva from the aortic cusp and visualization of intracardiac hemodynamics through the shunt. She showed neither cardiac failure nor aortic regurgitation preoperatively. Because rupture was likely to occur, the aneurys mal sac was resected and plicated, and primary surgical closure of the shunt was done. Postoperative echocardiography showed no shunt and sufficient pli cation of the aneurysm.

Aneurysm of the Aortic Sinuses of Valsalva: Hemodynamics and Long-Term Prognosis After Surgery

Seventeen patients with sinus of Valsalva aneurysm are described. All of these patients have had late follow-up to assess prognosis. Twelve patients had congenital aneurysms and five were mycotic. There were 12 males and five females, ranging in age from 20 to 59 years of age (mean of 38 years). Symp toms of congestive heart failure, fatigue, and palpitations were common and were present from three days to seven years before diagnosis (mean of 13.8 months.) All patients had cardiac catheterization including aortography, and 16 had right heart catheterizations. Eleven patients (65%) had aneurysms which ruptured into another cardiac chamber, most frequently the right atrium (six patients). Eleven patients (65%) had aortic insufficiency, and it was moderate to severe in seven. New York Heart Association (NYHA) Functional Class at diag nosis was variable and did not correlate with degree of left-to-right shunt in patients with fistulas to the right heart. Functional Class seemed to correlate with the degree of aortic insufficiency.

Fourteen patients required surgery. The surgical procedure usually con sisted of repair of aneurysm and fistula when present, and aortic valve replace ment. There was one death prior to surgery and one operative death (operative mortality of 7%). Ten of the patients (66%) were in NYHA Functional Class I at late follow-up (range 2.5 to 13.1 years, mean 6.5 years). Long-term functional disability occurred more frequently in patients with moderate to severe aortic insufficiency at the time of diagnosis.

Patients with aneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva are a heterogenous popula tion. Functional Class at the time of diagnosis as well as long-term prognosis appears to be related to the presence and severity of aortic insufficiency at diagnosis. Catheterization with aortography and right heart catheterization are mandatory for accurate diagnosis. Surgical results are good with low operative mortality and improvement in long-term Functional Class.

Unruptured Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysm with Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction and Supracristal Ventricular Septal Defect: A Rare Case

Unruptured right sinus of Valsalva aneurysm that causes severe obstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract is extremely rare. We describe the case of a 47-year-old woman who presented with exertional dyspnea. Upon investigation, we discovered an unruptured right sinus of Valsalva aneurysm with associated right ventricular outflow tract obstruction and a supracristal ventricular septal defect. To our knowledge, only 2 such cases have previously been reported in the medical literature. Although treatment of unruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm remains debatable, surgery should be considered for extremely large aneurysms or for progressive enlargement of the aneurysm on serial evaluation. Surgery was undertaken in our patient because there was clear evidence of right ventricular outflow tract obstruction, right-sided heart dilation, and associated exertional dyspnea.

Unruptured Noncoronary Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysm Associated with Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)

Sinus of Valsalva aneurysms are rare cardiac anomalies. Incidence of this anomaly is higher in Asian population with male preponderance. Our case highlights a rare association between unruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm and atrial septal defect (ASD). Rarely diagnosis of sinus of Valsalva aneurysm is missed on two dimensional echocardiography. Multi slice CT scan is done to confirm echocardiographic findings and to detect any missed complications, other cardiac abnormalities and anatomy for a precise surgical approach.

Subaortic membrane with rupture of sinus of Valsalva presented with infective endocarditis and its thromboembolic complications

Rupture of the sinus of Valsalva (RSOV) is an uncommonly encountered condition. It can present with wider manifestations ranging from an asymptomatic murmur to cardiogenic shock. The case discussed in this report also had subaortic membrane which usually presents with subvalvular aortic stenosis, left ventricular hypertrophy, myocardial ischemia and sudden death. Corrective cardiac surgery was advised, but due to financial constraints, the patient could not be operated and he died. Here, the authors report for the first time an unusual presence of both RSOV and subaortic membrane and the patient presented with thromboembolic complication resulting from infective endocarditis.

Unusual cause of rapidly progressive right-sided heart failure: aortic sinus of Valsalva aneurysm causing ball valve obstruction of the tricuspid valve

A rare presentation with rapidly progressive right heart failure due to tricuspid inflow obstruction (simulating right-sided valvular heart disease) caused by a non-coronary cusp sinus of Valsalva aneurysm with small perforation is reported. The aneurysm was causing ball valve obstruction at the tricuspid valve, leading to dilated right atrium and back pressure changes which were relieved after successful aneurysectomy.

Ruptured right sinus of Valsalva aneurysm with bicuspid aortic valve

The sinus of Valsalva aneurysm is a relatively rare condition that may be congenital or acquired. We present a case of a young man who was admitted to the emergency department with acute dyspnoea whilst playing football. After investigation, the diagnosis of a ruptured right sinus of Valsalva aneurysm into the right atrium was made. The patient also had a bicuspid aortic valve. Percutaneous approach to close the fistula was unsuccessful and the patient underwent surgical closure of the fistula with replacement of his bicuspid aortic valve.

Pulmonary valve endocarditis caused by right ventricular outflow obstruction in association with sinus of valsalva aneurysm: a case report

Background

Right-sided infective endocarditis is uncommon. This is primarily seen in patients with intravenous drug use, pacemaker or central venous lines, or congenital heart disease. The vast majority of cases involve the tricuspid valve. Isolated pulmonary valve endocarditis is extremely rare. We report the first case of a pulmonary valve nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis caused by right ventricular outlflow tract (RVOT) obstruction in association with a large sinus of Valsalva aneurysm.

Case presentation

A 60-year-old man with a six-week history of fever, initially treated as pneumonia and sinusitis with levofloxacin, was admitted to the hospital with a new onset of a heart murmur. An echocardiogram showed thickening of the pulmonary valve suggestive of valve vegetation. A dilated aortic root and sinus of Valsalva aneurysm measuring at least 6.4 cm were also identified. The patient was empirically treated for infective endocarditis with vancomycin and gentamycin for 28 days. Four months later, the patient underwent resection of a large aortic root aneurysm and exploration of the pulmonary valve. During the surgery, vegetation of the pulmonary valve was confirmed. Microscopic pathological examination revealed fibrinous debris with acute inflammation and organizing fibrosis with chronic inflammation, compatible with a vegetation. Special stains were negative for bacteria and fungi.

Conclusion

This is the first case report of a pulmonary valve nonbacterial endocarditis caused by RVOT obstruction in association with a sinus of Valsalva aneurysm. We speculate that jets created by the RVOT obstruction and large sinus of Valsalva aneurysm hitting against endothelium of the pulmonary valve is the etiology of this rare nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis.

Large, unruptured, non-coronary sinus of Valsalva aneurysm

We report the case of a 73-year-old previously fit man who presented with a 10-month history of worsening dyspnoea on exertion. Transthoracic echocardiography showed a mass in the right ventricle. The diagnosis of non-coronary sinus of Valsalva aneurysm was confirmed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. The patient underwent surgical removal of the aneurysm with uneventful recovery. Since this rare anomaly may arise from different aetiological backgrounds, it is important to consider this condition in the differential diagnosis and diagnostic process in order to deliver prompt, and potentially life-saving, treatment.

Giant extracardiac unruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm in a patient with left ventricular dysfunction

Extracardiac unruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm (SVA) is an infrequent cardiac anomaly. Unruptured SVAs are typically symptom-free until rupture occurs. We describe a case of an unruptured extracardiac SVA originating from noncoronary sinus with left ventricular dysfunction. The patient was asymptomatic. The diagnosis was made by transthoracic echocardiography, computed tomography, and cardiac catheterization. The aneurysm was surgically resected and the sinus was successfully reconstructed with a patch. The patient remained asymptomatic throughout the postoperative follow-up period. Early surgical repair should be the choice of treatment for extracardiac SVAs in order to prevent sudden death.

Transcatheter closure of a ruptured sinus of valsalva aneurysm

BACKGROUND

Ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysms (RSVA) can be associated with ventricular septal defects or isolated lesions. Surgical repair has been the traditional treatment of for the RSVA. The results of transcatheter closure of the RSVA in 4 patients are reported.

METHODS AND RESULTS

From 2003 to 2004, 4 patients (2 males and 2 females) aged from 18 years to 47 years with RSVA were identified. The diagnosis of RSVA was made based on a combination of several imaging modalities. The drainage site of the RSVA was right ventricle in 2, and right atrium in remaining 2. All patients underwent general anesthesia and transesophageal echocardiographic (TEE) monitoring during the procedure. Transcatheter closure with an Amplatzer duct occluder was attempted in all 4 patients. The size of the Amplatzer duct occluder selected was up to 2 mm larger than the maximal diameter of the aortic opening site of the RSVA as measured on TEE images. The attempt to deploy an Amplatzer duct occluder was successful in 3 and a Gianturco coil was deployed in 1. Follow-up (3-18 months) echocardiography showed neither residual shunt nor aortic regurgitation in any of the patients.

CONCLUSION

The transcatheter technique is a safe alternative in the treatment of RSVA; however, a longer follow-up is mandatory.

Aneurysms of the Sinuses of Valsalva

Sinus of Valsalva aneurysms are rare cardiac anomalies which may be acquired or congenital, most commonly involving the right or noncoronary sinuses. The congenital aneurysms are more common and often caused by weakness at the junction of the aortic media and the annulus fibrosus. Acquired aneurysms are caused by conditions affecting the aortic wall, such as infections (syphilis, bacterial endocarditis, or tuberculosis), trauma, or connective tissue disorders. Unruptured aneurysms are usually found incidentally during diagnostic studies. More commonly, sinus of Valsalvaaneurysms are diagnosed after clinical sequelae of rupture. Diagnosis of sinus of Valsalva aneurysm is facilitated by echocardiography, contrast aortography, and more recently, magnetic resonance imaging. Repair is generally required for ruptured aneurysms; unruptured aneurysms encroaching on nearby structures, causing myocardial ischemia, or having the potential to rupture warrant repair. A review of the literature is presented focusing on anatomy, clinical presentation of ruptured and unruptured aneurysms, noninvasive diagnostic modalities, and techniques for repair of this anomaly.

Max brödel: illustrating healed valve ring abscesses

A 14-year-old adolescent girl presented with severe congestive heart failure, progressive throughout 3 months. A precordial thrill, machinery-like murmur, and right bundle branch block were noted. Death occurred despite digitalis and diuretic therapy and removal of pleural and ascitic fluid. The autopsy revealed 2 multilocular cystic structures in the interventricular septum consistent with being spontaneously drained valve ring abscesses. One of these lesions formed a fistulous communication that penetrated through the interventricular septum between the right aortic sinus of Valsalva and the crista supraventricularis that connected to the right ventricle. Another lesion, an adjacent separate but similar cystlike structure, communicated only with the left ventricular cavity. Although the cause of these lesions is uncertain, it seems probable that they are the residue of spontaneously drained and healed valve ring abscesses. Max Brödel, a medical illustrator and the first director of the Department of Art as Applied to Medicine at The Johns Hopkins University, drew previously unpublished figures of this patient's cardiac lesions. These illustrations exhibit Brödel's superb command of both art and medicine essential to his ability to make complex anatomic relationships demonstrable. We discuss Brödel's career and his influence on both the art and science of medicine.

The Four Seasons of Ruptured Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysms: Case Presentations and Review

The sinuses of Valsalva are 3 distinct outpouchings of the aortic wall associated with the 3 cusps of the aortic valve that may develop aneurysmal dilation because of weakness of or injury to the sinus wall. Rupture of a sinus aneurysm can create an aortocardiac fistula. Ruptured sinuses of Valsalva aneurysms (RSVAs) may present a diagnostic dilemma because of their varied clinical presentations. However, if included on a differential, they are easily diagnosed and surgically treated. In our article we detail 4 RSVA cases, each demonstrating a manner in which an RSVA may present clinically. Our first case involves a 68-year-old patient with an RSVA diagnosis after presenting with cardiac arrest and congestive heart failure. Our second case involves a 42-year-old patient with an RSVA diagnosis in the context of acute chest pain, ischemic electrocardiographic changes, and hypotension. Our third RSVA case involves a 60-year-old patient who presented solely with a sudden onset of lower-extremity edema. Our fourth case involves a 46-year-old asymptomatic patient with RSVA diagnosed during a routine physical exam. Comparisons of reported case series from around the world illustrate RSVA epidemiology, concomitant lesions, clinical presentations, and repair techniques. Comparisons of Eastern and Western series reveal that the incidence of RSVAs is higher in Eastern than in Western countries, with a 4:1 male preponderance across ethnic lines. Among the Eastern series reporting RSVAs, ventricular septal defects and aortic valve incompetence were the only frequently associated concomitant lesions. In contrast, Western series of RSVAs showed a wide range of concomitant lesions. The difficulty in diagnosing RSVAs is mainly due to the variability of their clinical impact and presentation. These factors largely depend on the cardiac chamber into which the aortocardiac fistula forms. However, once RSVA is on a differential, the advent of transesophageal and transthoracic radiography has made RSVA diagnosis relatively easy. Surgical repairs of RSVAs are of low risk and generally have an excellent long-term prognosis. As a result, many authors believe that early surgical intervention in patients with an RSVA is justified. Among the series studied, there is evidence that the patch technique is the safest approach because of its lower association with fistula recurrence. This article highlights for the clinician the diversity of clinical presentations of this often overlooked disorder.

Fatal traumatic rupture of an aortic aneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva: an autopsy case

This report describes an autopsy case of a rare type of aortic sinus of Valsalva aneurysm, which caused fatal rupture from a blunt chest impact. A 51-year-old male was hit in the chest with a fist, lost consciousness after about 15min and died after approximately 7h. The postmortem examination revealed a large saccular aneurysm of the right coronary sinus bulging on the right atrium, which had a full laceration causing pericardial hematoma (cardiac tamponade). A related chest wall injury was observed in the right outer mammary region. A rare type of bulging onto the right atrium and subsequent sclerosis of the right coronary artery appeared to have greatly contributed to the fatal rupture.

Dilatation of sinus of Valsalva with displacement and compression of the left coronary artery causing sudden death

A 69-year-old male patient is described who presented with angina and congestive heart failure 12 years after his aortic valve had been replaced by a bioprosthesis for aortic stenosis. The aortogram showed massive dilatation of the aortic root. Coronary angiography demonstrated a displaced and narrowed left main and circumflex coronary artery. The patient died suddenly before his scheduled elective operation. At autopsy the left main and circumflex coronary artery were patent but severely compressed by extensive dilatation of the aortic root, predominantly of the left sinus of Valsalva. His sudden death was most likely due to external constriction of the left coronary artery with subsequent ischemia and ventricular fibrillation.

Echocardiographic diagnosis of right and left sinus of Valsalva aneurysms dissecting into the ventricular septum

We report a case of dissection of the ventricular septum by two aneurysms of the right and left coronary sinuses of Valsalva. Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography allowed accurate preoperative assessment and postoperative evaluation.

Sinus of Valsalva aneurysms involving both coronary ostia

Sinus of Valsalva aneurysms are a rare cause of angina or myocardial infarction. We describe a patient with unstable angina and massive unruptured aneurysms of both coronary sinuses causing severe distortion of both coronary ostia, to our knowledge not previously reported. This unusual patient underwent aortic valve replacement, ascending aortic repair, and coronary artery bypass. At 11-year follow-up, she had developed severe mitral stenosis and prosthetic aortic valve stenosis. Review of the literature reveals 30 reported cases of Sinus of Valsalva aneurysm complicated by coronary insufficiency or infarction, involving either the left (20 cases) or the right coronary sinus (10 cases). We emphasize the poor outcome of these patients, especially if treated conservatively.

Unruptured noncoronary sinus of Valsalva aneurysm: preoperative characterization by transesophageal echocardiography

We describe a patient with a large unruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm that was discovered incidentally. Transesophageal echocardiography was used to characterize the aneurysm preoperatively, and was helpful intraoperatively in assessment of the degree of native aortic valvular regurgitation after repair. The use of transthoracic echocardiography, contrast echocardiography, Doppler echocardiography, and transesophageal echocardiography are discussed in this condition.

Sinus of Valsalva aneurysms

Sinus of Valsalva aneurysms are rare cardiac anomalies which may be acquired or congenital. The congenital aneurysm is more common than the acquired form, with an incidence ranging from 0.1 to 3.5% of all congenital heart defects. Acquired aneurysms may result from trauma, endocarditis, syphilis, Marfan's syndrome, and senile-type dilatation in which the three sinuses dilate as a result of the normal aging process. This review focuses on both congenital and acquired aneurysms with particular attention to the noninvasive diagnosis of this anomaly.

Isolated unruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm producing right ventricular outflow obstruction

An unusual case of right ventricular outflow obstruction and right heart failure due to an isolated unruptured congenital sinus of Valsalva aneurysm originating from the right coronary sinus in a 75-year-old-man is described. The diagnosis was made by two-dimensional echocardiography and cardiac catheterization. Successful surgical resection of the aneurysm resulted in dramatic symptomatic improvement.

Sinus of Valsalva aneurysm presenting with complete heart block

An elderly woman presented with sudden unresponsiveness and complete heart block and subsequently expired. Postmortem examination revealed an aneurysm of the right sinus of Valsalva impinging on the cardiac conducting tissue. Only a few cases associated with complete heart block have been previously reported.

Mycotic aneurysms of the aortic root. A pathologic study of 20 cases

Twenty specimens of heart with mycotic aneurysms at the aortic root were studied. In ten cases, mycotic aneurysm followed infection of the aortic valve. In one case, it developed following infection of an aortic jet lesion, and in nine patients, the aneurysm was at the seat of a prosthetic aortic valve. In seven of the 11 cases with a natural aortic valve, the valve was either unicuspid or bicuspid. A retrospective evaluation of the data on the clinical records of the 20 patients revealed that infective endocarditis or noncardiac postoperative sepsis was present in 11. The most frequently isolated microorganism was Staphylococcus aureus. Conduction disturbances were found in six patients, all of them with involvement of the atrioventricular node by the aneurysm. Perforation into intracardiac cavities was found in four, two into the right ventricular infundibulum and one each into each atrium. Pericardial tamponade was caused by bleeding from the aneurysm in two cases, and myocardial infarction was a probable consequence of coronary arterial compression by the aneurysm in two cases. Mycotic aneurysms of the aortic root, in spite of their being partially or completely healed of active infection, carry a high risk of the complications enumerated. Among the 20 cases, cultures were positive in 11 and negative in nine. Staphylococcus aureus was cultured from five of the cases.

Hemodynamic compromise (tricuspid stenosis and insufficiency) caused by an unruptured aneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva

A patient is described with an unruptured aneurysm of the noncoronary sinus of Valsalva that occupied the right ventricular inflow tract and caused dynamic tricuspid stenosis and insufficiency. Results of two-dimensional echocardiography delineated the anatomy of the aneurysm and pulsed Doppler examination provided evidence that the aneurysm was unruptured. The unruptured aneurysm was resected successfully.

Unruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm with right ventricular outflow obstruction diagnosed by two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography

This report presents a case of an unusually large unruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm complicated by right ventricular outflow tract obstruction, right coronary artery occlusion and incomplete right bundle branch block. Two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography were instrumental in preoperative diagnosis and postoperative follow-up.

Tricuspid regurgitation due to sinus of Valsalva-right heart fistula diagnosed by two-dimensional echocardiography

The case of a 31-year-old woman with severe right heart failure in the course of bacterial endocarditis and systolic and diastolic murmur at the third left intercostal space is described. Two-dimensional echocardiography showed a vegetation moving from the noncoronary aortic sinus of Valsalva to the right atrium, encroaching upon the septal leaflet of the tricuspid valve. An acquired fistula was confirmed by aortography and surgery. This is an unusual case of tricuspid regurgitation due to acquired aortic sinus of Valsalva-right heart fistula diagnosed by two-dimensional echocardiography.

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome with abnormal collagen fibrils, sinus of Valsalva aneurysms, myocardial infarction, panacinar emphysema and cerebral heterotopias

A 30 year old woman with marked joint hypermobility had severe, progressive lung disease, seizures, aneurysms of the sinuses of Valsalva and myocardial infarction documented during life. She died of intractable ventricular fibrillation, and postmortem examination showed myocardial injury in the distribution of the left coronary artery but no occlusive coronary artery disease. Severe panacinar emphysema was found in the lungs. Cerebral heterotopias with peculiar vascularization were present and were a likely cause of the seizure disorder. Electron microscopy showed dermal collagen fibrils to be heterogeneous in size, reduced in number, and irregular and frayed in appearance. This patient had a form of the Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, different from the 10 distinct variants described thus far, associated with lethal internal manifestations.

Uncomplicated sinus of Valsalva aneurysm detected by echocardiography in an asymptomatic patient: case report

Echocardiography was extremely useful in detecting a distinctive echographic pattern with uncomplicated right sinus of Valsalva aneurysm. The patient was clinically asymptomatic. The chest x-ray showed a normal cardiac silhouette. Electrocardiographic abnormalities including first degree atrio-ventricular block, right bundle branch block, and left anterior hemiblock observed during a routine cardiac clinic visit led to the echocardiographic investigation. The right sinus of Valsalva aneurysm protruded high into the septum and into the left ventricular chamber adjacent to the interventricular septum. At surgery, the aneurysm was closed by the placement of a Dacron elastic patch.