Aortico-cameral communication from left sinus Valsalva aneurysm to right atrium via a tortuous tunnel with aneurysmal dilatation

Congenital Aorto-Cardiac Connections (CACC) Revisited: Introduction of a Novel Anatomic-therapeutic Classification

Abnormal congenital aorto-cardiac communications (CACC) are a heterogeneous constellation of anomalies that provide an abnormal connection between the aorta and other cardiac chambers or structures, including the atria, ventricles, the main pulmonary artery, and the coronary sinus. The current terminology of CACC has significant errors and shortcomings including inconsistent and interchangeable use of terms of fistula and tunnel and lack of an inclusive classification with practical information on therapeutic management. The aims of this study were threefold: firstly, to perform a concise narrative review of congenital pathologic connections between the aortic root and cardiac chambers which include rupture of congenital sinus of Valsalva aneurysm, aorto-left ventricular and less commonly right ventricular tunnels, coronary cameral fistulas, and aorto-atrial communications; secondly, to investigate the differentiating features of the so-called aorta right atrial tunnel (ARAT), with and without coronary artery take-off from the tunnel, and coronary cameral fistula (CCF) by applying a differential diagnostic assistance toolbox to two groups of patients with ARAT and CCF; and lastly, to propose a practical and inclusive anatomic-therapeutic classification for CACCs. The two main cornerstones of the proposed classification are the type of the connector between the aorta and cardiac chamber (hole versus passage) and the nature of the connecting passage ( anatomic versus extra-anatomic). We classified CACCs into three types. Depending on the intramural versus extramural course of the extra-anatomic connecting passage, type 3 is further subdivided into type 3A and type 3B.

Left circumflex to right atrial coronary arterio-venous fistula - role of multimodality imaging for diagnosis

We report an interesting case presenting with progressive dyspnea and palpitations. The patient underwent multimodal imaging procedures consisting of two dimensional echocardiography, MRI, cardiac catheterization and also a three dimensional transesophageal echocardiographic reconstruction. All the investigations taken together helped us in finally arriving at accurate anatomical diagnosis of a coronary AV fistula from the left circumflex artery to the right atrium. The patient finally underwent a successful non-surgical closure using an Amplatzer device. The role of three-dimensional echocardiographic evaluation in defining the anatomy for planning the treatment is emphasized.

Ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm from left coronary sinus into right atrium: a rare anomaly with an odd presentation

We report a case of a 42-year-old man presenting with shortness of breath and palpitation on exertion, who was evaluated to have left sinus of Valsalva aneurysm rupturing into right atrium. This is a very rare congenital cardiac anomaly with variable clinical presentation ranging from asymptomatic detection on imaging to acute coronary syndrome and sudden cardiac death. Rupture is the most dreaded complication and usually manifests as an acute event. Aneurysmal dilation less commonly affects the left sinus and rupture into the right atrium is still rarer and a chronic insidious presentation as in this case is odd.

Aorto-right atrial fistula following transseptal catheterization and catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation

Aorto-cameral fistula, either congenital or acquired, is an abnormal connection between the ascending aortic root and one of the cardiac chambers. We report a case of a 61-year-old male with history of atrial fibrillation and 2 radiofrequency ablation procedures, referred to us for surgical Cox Maze procedure. Preoperative cardiac computerized tomography revealed a fistulous connection between the aortic root and the right atrium. Later, the patient underwent successful surgical closure of the fistula during the Cox Maze procedure. In this paper, we also discuss the clinical presentation, natural history, anatomy of the interatrial septum, and management of aorto-cameral fistula.

Aortico-right atrial tunnel in an adult patient

We describe an asymptomatic 27-year-old man who presented a continuous murmur, and was found to have a tunnel between the aorta and the right atrium. Successful surgical treatment was performed. We emphasize the rarity of this condition, and discuss its major features.