Left atrial pressure gradient and right heart failure secondary to compression of the left atrium by a huge ascending aortic aneurysm: a case report

A 71-year-old man was admitted to our department with congestive heart failure on June 28, 1998. He previously had an aortic valve replacement because of aortic regurgitation probably due to annuloaortic ectasia in 1984. Thoracic aortic aneurysm was identified during the postoperative course. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a huge saccular ascending aortic aneurysm of 12 x 11.5 x 9.5 cm size, which had severely compressed the left atrium. Doppler echocardiography documented an accelerated flow (2.2 m/sec) in the left atrium in early diastole. The calculated pressure gradient was 19 mmHg. All pressures in the right heart system were elevated. This is the first case of pulmonary hypertension and right heart failure secondary to compression of the left atrium in a patient with thoracic aortic aneurysm.     

Rupture of an aortic dissection into the right atrium in a patient with a previous aortic valve replacement: a case report.

We report the case of a 73-year-old man with a history of previous aortic valve replacement in 1990 and rupture of an aortic dissection into the right atrium. The patient was admitted to the emergency room because of chest pain, stopped not long after. The electrocardiogram did not show any signs of ischemia and myocardial enzymes were not increased. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed aortic root dilation (maximum diameter 60 mm) extended to the aortic arch, and the presence of a flow from the ascending aorta to the right atrium (evocative of a fistula between the two chambers). The aortic valvular prosthesis function was good. Transesophageal echocardiography confirmed an aorta-right atrium fistula. Cardiac catheterization did not show any luminal obstructions in the coronary arteries; there was a small shunt from the aorta to the right atrium. The ascending aorta and the aortic root were replaced with a Dacron graft. Right and left sinuses were reimplanted to the graft. The fistula was repaired with 4-0 pledgeted Prolene sutures. The surgeon's diagnosis was "type A aortic dissection in a patient with an ascending aorta aneurysm and an old ascending aorta-right atrium fistula".     

Echocardiographic features of a mycotic aneurysm of the left ventricular outflow tract caused by perforation of mitral-aortic intervalvular fibrosa

We present the apparently unique M-mode and two-dimensional echocardiographic features of a surgically confirmed pseudoaneurysm of the left ventricular outflow tract, which probably developed as a result of perforation of the mitral-aortic intervalvular fibrosa. Echocardiographic studies revealed an aneurysmal sac situated between the aortic root and the left atrium. The aneurysm expanded in systole and collapsed or emptied in diastole, suggesting direct communication with the left ventricle. Such an aneurysm must be differentiated from various pathologic findings of the aortic root. The location and characteristic motion during the cardiac cycle should alert the clinician to the correct diagnosis of such an aneurysm.     

Two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiographic diagnosis of an aortic to right atrial fistula complicating aortic dissection

A 60 year old woman presented with massive aortic root dilation and sudden cardiovascular collapse 10 years after aortic valve replacement. An aortic to right atrial fistula was diagnosed by echocardiographic imaging and Doppler ultrasound. At operation, the patient was found to have chronic aortic dissection with aneurysm formation. Rupture of the aneurysm into the right atrium was confirmed.     

Ruptured non-coronary sinus of Valsalva aneurysm into the right atrium in 44-year-old patient

We hereby present a case report of ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm into the right atrium in 44-year-old patient with 8-month progressive exertional dyspnoea, occasional palpitations and oedema of lower extremities. A massive left-to-right shunt between the outflow tract of the left ventricle and right atrium was discovered from the echocardiogram examination. The patient was indicated for surgery, during which it was discovered a defect in the area of the non-coronary sinus extending into the right atrium, calcifications in the annulus of the congenitally bicuspid aortic valve, without signs of endocarditis present, abundant tissue was excised from the right atrium which had originally been an aneurysm of the non-coronary sinus of the aortic root. Sinus of Valsalva aneurysm is a very rare pathology which is generally asymptomatic. In this case it manifested through a rupture into the right atrium and symptomatology of right-sided heart failure. Surgery was the only possible treatment.     

Subaortic annular left ventricular aneurysm: an unusual cause of aortic regurgitation

A subaortic left ventricular aneurysm in a 21-year-old white woman is described. The clinical features were those of moderately severe aortic regurgitation, and the chest x-ray film showed cardiac enlargement with a bulge on the left heart border. Angiography confirmed the presence of gross aortic regurgitation and revealed an aneurysm behind the aortic root. At surgery, the aneurysm was found to be located below the aortic valve ring and communicated with the left ventricle through an ostium of 2.5 cm. Aortic valve replacement and closure of the aneurysmal ostium were carried out successfully.     

Thrombotic occlusion of an aortic-root xenograft during left ventricular assistance

A 45-year-old man underwent repair of a congenital bicuspid aortic valve and complex aortic-root aneurysm with an aortic-root xenograft. A CentriMag® left ventricular assist device was implanted for cardiac support and was subsequently replaced with a HeartMate II® left ventricular assist device. A day later, the patient was returned to the operating room for control of bleeding, and thrombotic occlusion of the prosthetic aortic valve was detected. The patient underwent thrombus removal, oversewing of the prosthetic valve, and bypass of the left anterior descending coronary artery. This case emphasizes the hazard of bypassing a failed left ventricle with a cardiac assist device after aortic valve replacement, even with a bioprosthesis.Key words: Aorta/surgery, aortic arch/surgery, aortic root/surgery, aortic valve replacement, heart valve prosthesis, postoperative complications, thrombosis, ventricle assist devicesPostcardiotomy support with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) after aortic valve and aortic root replacement presents a unique challenge. Even in the presence of a prosthetic aortic valve, aortic-root stasis can result in valve thrombosis. We describe the case of a patient who had thrombosis of an aortic-root xenograft during LVAD support after undergoing repair of a complex aortic aneurysm.     

Iatrogenic communications between aortic root and right ventricle/left atrium after transcatheter aortic valve replacement

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has emerged as an alternative, less invasive treatment option for patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis, who are high‐risk for conventional surgical aortic valve replacement, due to co‐morbidities. In addition to a 30‐day 10% mortality risk there is a recognized range of complications, which commonly relate to vascular access trauma, paravalvular aortic regurgitation, and cerebrovascular events. In the following case reports, we discuss two previously unreported complications of TAVR: (i) an iatrogenic communication between the aortic root and the right ventricle and (ii) an iatrogenic communication between the aortic root and the left atrium. Informed written consent was obtained from both paztients. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Delayed appearance of left-to-right shunt following aortic valvular replacement. Report of two cases.

Two cases are presented in which a left-to-right shunt occurred late following aortic valvular replacement. In one patient a fistula was found between the aortic root and the right atrium and ventricle. In the second patient a defect developed in the membranous septum, allowing shunting from the left ventricle to both the right atrium and right ventricle.     

Annular subaortic aneurysm resulting in sudden death

A subvalvular aneurysm in a 34-year-old black woman developed beneath the left coronary cusp of the aortic valve and extended in the epicardium between the aortic root and left atrium. She was asymptomatic until she expired suddenly from myocardial ischemia caused by compression of the circumflex coronary artery by the aneurysm. A review of the literature reveals 13 reports of subaortic and 58 submitral aneurysms but only two instances of myocardial infarction secondary to coronary artery compression by spontaneous subvalvular aneurysms in either the subaortic or submitral position.     

Acute dissection of the thoracic aorta. Proposal of a new surgical technic

Acute aortic dissection is a challenging surgical disease. Replacement of the supracoronary aorta alone can be followed by recurrent aneurysm formation at the level of the residual aortic root. The Bentall procedure prevents this late complication but intraoperative haemorrhage may be severe and valve replacement is always mandatory. A new surgical technique is presented which has been adopted in seven consecutive patients with no deaths. With this procedure, strengthening of the aortic root is obtained by inserting three Dacron Double Velour patches "between" the internal and external aortic lamina, one for each sinus of Valsalva. The patches override the coronary ostia which are left wide patent, and are anchored directly to the aortic anulus by single mattress sutures which reduce the size of the anulus. Suspension of the valve leaflets to the patches overriding each other at the commissures together with anuloplasty reestablish valve continency. The two aortic stumps are secured with running sutures over the free edge and a tubular Dacron graft is then anastomosed to them. The procedure reinforces the aortic root, will prevent recurrent aneurysm formation and avoids at the same time valve replacement, when unnecessary, and coronary arteries reimplantation.     

Incidental Left Atrial Blood Cyst in a Patient Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Blood cysts of the heart are benign cardiovascular tumors found incidentally in approximately 50% of infants who undergo autopsy at less than 2 months of age. These congenital cysts, frequently present on the atrioventricular valves of infants, are exceedingly rare in adults. Nonetheless, in adults, cardiac blood cysts have been found on the mitral valve, papillary muscles, right atrium, right ventricle, left ventricle, and aortic, pulmonic, and tricuspid valves. Reported complications include left ventricular outflow obstruction, occlusion of the coronary arteries, valvular stenosis or regurgitation, and embolic stroke.In high-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis, transcatheter aortic valve replacement has emerged as an alternative to surgical replacement. Transesophageal echocardiography plays a fundamental role in evaluating the feasibility of intraprocedural transcatheter aortic valve replacement, in measuring aortic annular size, in guiding placement of the prosthetic device, and in looking for possible complications. The embolic risk of rapid pacing and transcatheter aortic valve replacement in a patient with an intracardiac blood cyst is unknown, and such a case has not, to our knowledge, been reported heretofore. We present the case of a 78-year-old woman with severe aortic stenosis, in whom a blood cyst was incidentally found in the left atrium upon transesophageal echocardiography. She underwent successful transcatheter aortic valve replacement without embolic complication.     

Transoesophageal echocardiographic diagnosis of aortico-left atrial fistula in aortic valve endocarditis.

Intra-cardiac fistulas are rarely seen and they are estimated to account for <1% of all cases of infective endocarditis. Fistulization of paravalvular abscesses has been found in 6% to 9% of cases. This is a report of an unusual communication between the abscess region in the aortic root and the left atrium. A 44-year-old patient diagnosed with infective endocarditis had continuous fevers despite antibiotic therapy. Transoesophageal echocardiography revealed multiple vegetations on aortic valve, fistulization of an aortic root abscess to the left atrium and mitral regurgitation and moderate aortic regurgitation. At surgery, multiple vegetations on the aortic valve and a large abscess cavity establishing direct communication between aortic root and the left atrial cavity through a fistulous tract were discovered. This experience demonstrates the improved sensitivity and specificity of transoesophageal echocardiography in defining periannular extension of infective endocarditis.     

Q fever infection: inflammatory aortic root aneurysm in an HIV positive patient

We describe a case of Q fever infection with an inflammated proximal ascending aortic aneurysm in an HIV-infected patient. The patient was treated with aortic root replacement and medication for Q fever, a combination of doxycycline and hydroxychloroquine in addition to highly active antiretroviral therapy. The combination of Q fever and HIV infection has rarely been documented. A case of Q fever infection of a proximal ascending aorta aneurysm in a patient with HIV co-infection has never been described before.     

Expanding arch aneurysm causing a "kink" in a Bentall graft and heart failure

Marfan syndrome is associated with a high incidence of aortic root aneurysm and life-threatening aortic dissection. With the successful use of surgical aortic root replacement, dissection-related mortality has been significantly reduced. We present the case of a patient with Marfan syndrome who presented with heart failure secondary to an unusual graft-related complication 14 years after a Bentall procedure. Investigations revealed a supra-aortic stenosis resulting from a kink in the Bentall graft caused by pressure from an expanding aortic arch aneurysm. The patient underwent surgery with improvement in his ejection fraction and heart failure symptoms.     

保留主动脉瓣主动脉根部替换术的临床应用评价

目的评价保留自身主动脉瓣的主动脉根部替换的可行性和疗效。方法自1998年1月至2004年9月,对我院24例主动脉病变导致主动脉瓣关闭不全但瓣膜本身无明显异常的患者,实施了保留主动脉瓣的主动脉根部替换术,并术后随访观察主动脉瓣反流和心功能改善情况。结果全组无住院死亡。除1例仍为中度反流外,术后主动脉瓣反流均明显改善。随访中有2例非手术相关死亡,无主动脉瓣反流需再次手术者。全组心功能恢复满意。结论主动脉根部替换手术时,对由于主动脉根部瘤或升主动脉瘤导致的主动脉瓣反流者,可优选采用保留主动脉瓣的主动脉根部替换术。     

Aortico-left atrial fistula in aortic valve endocarditis.

Aortic root abscess is a well-known complication of aortic valve endocarditis. This report describes the two-dimensional echocardiographic findings in a patient with aortic valve endocarditis whose course was complicated by a posterior aortic root abscess which ruptured into the left atrium creating an aortico-left atrial fistula, which, to our knowledge, has not been previously reported. These findings were confirmed at surgery.     

Diagnosis of pseudoaneurysm of the ascending aorta by pulsed Doppler cross sectional echocardiography

Pseudoaneurysms of the ascending aorta are relatively uncommon compared with those evolving from the left ventricle. In a young man with endocarditis of the aortic valve who developed a pseudoaneurysm arising from the ascending aorta, the diagnosis was established with the pulsed Doppler technique and cross sectional echocardiography by passing the Doppler sample from the aorta through the neck of the false aneurysm into the large pseudoaneurysm. Aortic root angiography showed this connexion to be a small fistula between the aorta and right atrium. Necropsy findings confirmed the diagnosis.     

A new technique of myocardial protection during aortic root replacement: antegrade/retrograde coronary perfusion

Aortic root surgery has traditionally been performed with an arrested and cooled heart using cardioplegia. A new technique of myocardial protection was utilized in the treatment of ascending aortic aneurysm with severe aortic valve regurgitation requiring aortic root replacement with the Cabrol technique. Retrograde and antegrade perfusion of the heart with blood allowed the surgical operation to be performed safely while the heart was beating and eliminated the ischemic reperfusion injury which occurs during cardioplegic arrest and reinstitution of blood perfusion after removal of the aortic cross-clamping required in traditional techniques.     

Diagnosis of pseudoaneurysm of the ascending aorta by pulsed Doppler cross sectional echocardiography.

Pseudoaneurysms of the ascending aorta are relatively uncommon compared with those evolving from the left ventricle. In a young man with endocarditis of the aortic valve who developed a pseudoaneurysm arising from the ascending aorta, the diagnosis was established with the pulsed Doppler technique and cross sectional echocardiography by passing the Doppler sample from the aorta through the neck of the false aneurysm into the large pseudoaneurysm. Aortic root angiography showed this connexion to be a small fistula between the aorta and right atrium. Necropsy findings confirmed the diagnosis.