A rare case of unruptured sinus of valsalva aneurysm obstructing the right ventricular outflow tract

Giant left sinus of Valsalva aneurysm as a rare cause of acute myocardial infarction: a case report

Background

Sinus of Valsalva aneurysm (SVA) is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition. Acute myocardial infarction (MI) is a rare consequence of aneurysmal dilatation of one or more sinuses of Valsalva. We present a case of an unruptured and partially thrombosed left SVA, presenting as anterior MI and congestive heart failure.

Case summary

A 55-year-old gentleman was admitted with pulmonary oedema and a late presenting ST-elevation MI with Q wave. After initial treatment on furosemide infusion, a coronary angiography showed significant stenosis in both his left main stem (LMS) and left anterior descending artery (LAD). This is likely a result of external compression, potentially from the enlarged left sinus of Valsalva. A subsequent transthoracic echocardiogram and transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE) confirmed large SVA involving the left coronary cusp measured 9.9 cm compressing both LMS and LAD.

Discussion

Left SVAs are rare and frequently asymptomatic, typically being identified incidentally. Due to the close proximity of the left coronary system, they can present with myocardial ischaemia due to extrinsic compression of the coronary system. We were able to perform a comprehensive multi-modality assessment of left SVA, which helped establish this unusual diagnosis and guide management. Transthoracic echocardiogram and TOE helped assess the SVA and demonstrated the thrombus in situ, aortic valve insufficiency, and cardiac function. The computed tomography scan aided in accurately defining the extent of the aneurysm and the extent of compression of the left coronary system and cardiac magnetic resonance scan was able to demonstrate viability in LAD and circumflex territory.

Giant unruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm successfully managed with valve-sparing procedure - a case report

Background

Sinus of Valsalva aneurysm (SVA) is an uncommon cardiac anomaly, with an incidence of less than 1% of open heart surgery cases. Its evolution is most frequently silent, being found incidentally or discovered in the event of its acute rupture. Non-ruptured giant SVAs may cause unusual clinical manifestations, as a consequence of their protrusion into the heart chambers or compression of the coronary vessels and are frequently associated with aortic insufficiency of various degrees of severity. The gold standard treatment for SVAs consists of complete replacement of the aortic root and valve. However, in certain cases, valve-sparing procedures may prove to be a more suitable alternative.

Case presentation

A 68-year-old male patient presented with dyspnea as symptom caused by a large (> 5 cm) right sinus of Valsalva aneurysm. The aneurysm was occupying most of the right ventricle and was associated with severe aortic regurgitation. The surgical treatment of the condition involved valve-sparing root reconstruction procedure (remodeling technique), completed with external stabilization of the aortic valve annulus via running suture annuloplasty. Following the uneventful intervention, the patient did well and his status improved. The follow-up transthoracic echocardiography obtained 1 month after surgery showed a fully competent aortic valve with no regurgitation.

Conclusions

Despite complete aortic root and valve replacement being considered the safest approach to large SVAs complicated with aortic insufficiency, valve-sparing procedures should not be overlooked in case of a dilated aortic root with uncalcified aortic valve. Performing valve-sparing by applying a remodeling technique operation completed with annuloplasty reduces aortic valve insufficiency, avoiding side-effects related to implanted valves.

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.

Calcified unruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm in a child

Sinus of Valsalva aneurysms (SOVAs) might be congenital or acquired in origin. They might present as a rupture or as a consequence of compression on adjacent structures. The treatment of such aneurysms in adults is well documented. Calcified unruptured SOVAs are rarer and their management is not well elucidated, more so in the pediatric population. We present the management and outcome of such a case.