Sinus of Valsalva Pseudoaneurysm as a Sequela to Infective Endocarditis

There is Nothing More Invisible than the Obvious: A Case Summary and Literature Review

Bioprosthetic valvular failure (BVF) is a pathological entity arising from a variety of conditions affecting prosthetic heart valves. It may present with an extremely varied pattern, and the identification of the exact etiology is vital to provide a prompt and adequate treatment. It is established that infective endocarditis mainly affects patients with intracardiac devices such as pacemakers or prosthetic valves, and it represents one of the principal mechanisms of BVF. Despite its high incidence, clinical presentations may be atypical, and a close monitoring is essential to prevent catastrophic consequences. We present the case of a partial valvular bioprosthesis detachment associated with a newly formed pseudoaneurysm due to a late infective endocarditis occurred after cardiac surgery, initially manifested with negative blood cultures and clinical findings. We also try to set up a literature review of the most common causes of valvular failure and pseudoaneurysm formation.

Sinus of Valsalva Pseudoaneurysm Complicating Infective Endocarditis Causing Right Ventricular Inflow Obstruction

Sinus of Valsalva pseudoaneurysm (SVpA) is a rare cause of right ventricular inflow obstruction. We report such a case presented with atrial flutter and cardiogenic shock caused by tricuspid valve obstruction by a narrow-necked right SVpA complicating aortic valve infective endocarditis demonstrated on transesophageal echocardiography and cardiac computed tomography. Despite restoration of sinus rhythm, the patient ran a fatal course due to aneurysmal rupture. We show the value of transesophageal echocardiography in evaluating unstable patients with cardiogenic shock, and the need of urgent surgery in selected patients to avoid a dismal outcome.

A case report of pseudoaneurysm of left sinus of Valsalva invaded into the left ventricle with severe aortic regurgitation

Background

The pseudoaneurysms of sinus of Valsalva is an uncommon and serious complication of an infection, trauma, or after cardiac surgery or procedure. Pseudoaneurysms of sinus of Valsalva from left is rare. We describe a case of pseudoaneurysm of the left coronary sinus of Valsalva invaded into the left ventricle (LV) diagnosed by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), transesophageal ecoccardiography (TEE), and multiple detector computed tomography (MDCT).

Case presentation

A 44-year-old male patient had New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II / III dyspnea during 4 months. He underwent surgery including aortic valve replacement using mechanical prosthesis, and he was discharged well without significant complications on follow – up TTE and chest computed tomography (CT) post-operative 7 days.

Conclusions

We report this rare case in which a ruptured pseudoaneurysm of sinus of Valsalva into LV with severe AR due to perforation of LCC was successfully-treated.