Multiplane transesophageal echocardiography in the preoperative evaluation of the sinus of Valsalva fistula to right chambers]

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm to right cardiac chambers is an uncommon lesion in Western countries. The prognosis is usually serious unless the condition is promptly treated surgically. For this reason an accurate anatomical and functional evaluation is necessary. The main purpose of this report is to compare the usefulness of multiplane transesophageal echocardiography with transthoracic echocardiography and angiocardiography in the preoperative evaluation of ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm to right chambers. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Since January 1990, 9 patients (mean age 36,3 18 yr, 6 males) with ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm to right chambers were studied. The pathogenesis was congenital aneurysm in 6 patients, aortic prosthesis endocarditis in one and two cases of iatrogenia: during a percutaneous mitral valvuloplasty and after cardiac surgery. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed in all cases, transesophageal echocardiography in 7 and angiocardiography in 8. Two patients died before surgery, and 7 were successfully operated on. RESULTS: Transesophageal echocardiography was more useful when compared to transthoracic echocardiography and angiocardiography in detecting: a) the fistula; b) the sinus involved; c) the right chamber affected; d) congenital aneurysms morphology and size; e) aneurysm prolapse through a ventricular septal defect, y f) the identification of other cardiac congenital or acquired anomalies. CONCLUSIONS: Multiplane TEE is the most accurate tool in the preoperative evaluation of ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm to right chambers.     

AV nodal ablation-induced Gerbode defect (LV-RA Shunt)

A Gerbode defect that comprises a left ventricular to right atrial shunt is usually a congenital cardiac condition. Rarely, acquired Gerbode defects secondary to aortic or tricuspid valve endocarditis have been reported. We present a case of a Gerbode defect caused by catheter ablation of the AV node in a patient with a severely dilated cardiomyopathy and refractory atrial fibrillation.     

Rupture of a Noncoronary Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysm into the Left Atrium: A Rare Cause of Acute Pulmonary Edema

A sinus of Valsalva aneurysm is a dilatation of the aortic wall caused by the lack of continuity between the middle layer of the aortic wall and the aortic valve. It has an incidence of <0.1%. The most common cause of a sinus of Valsalva aneurysms is congenital, although they may also be acquired. The most common complication is rupture into the right atrium or ventricle, with rupture into the left chambers occurring very rarely. We present a 40‐year‐old man admitted to the hospital with an acute onset of respiratory distress and pleuritic chest pain. Transthoracic echocardiography followed by transesophageal echocardiography showed rupture of a noncoronary aneurysm of Valsalva sinus into the left atrium. The jet from the fistula caused retrograde flow into the pulmonary veins.     

Unruptured Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysm with Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction and Ventricular Septal Defect—A Rare Combination

Sinus of Valsalva aneurysms are rare cardiac anomalies that may be acquired or congenital. We describe the case of a patient who had an unruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm causing right ventricular outflow obstruction, with an associated subaortic ventricular septal defect. Sinus of Valsalva aneurysms rarely present until rupture occurs. However, the unruptured aneurysm of the right sinus of Valsalva caused significant right ventricular outflow tract obstruction, resulting in exertional dyspnea. Intraoperative multiplane transesophageal echocardiography and color Doppler helped in precise identification of structural anomalies, shunt location, and definitive surgical repair.     

Imaging of an aneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva with transesophageal echocardiography, contrast angiography and MRI

A sinus of Valsalva aneurysm is an uncommon congenital defect, which requires appropriate diagnosis with either echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging or contrast angiography. Treatment consists of aortic valve repair. We describe a young woman with an aneurysm of the non-coronary sinus of Valsalva, an atrial septal defect and pulmonary insufficiency. The different imaging techniques and possibilities of surgical correction are described.     

Concomitant Gerbode‐Like Defect and Anterior Mitral Leaflet Perforation after Aortic Valve Replacement for Endocarditis

We present a case of concomitant left ventricle (LV) to right atrial shunt (Gerbode‐like defect) and anterior mitral leaflet perforation in a 32‐year‐old male after aortic valve replacement for infective endocarditis of bicuspid aortic valve. This case emphasises that intra‐operative transesophageal echocardiography is a sine qua non for valvular surgical procedures.     

Rupture of the sinus of Valsalva aneurysm complicated by infective endocarditis -- diagnosis difficulties

Aneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva is a rare congenital heart disease. It constitutes about 0.14%-1.5% of congenital heart surgery cases. Aneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva can be asymptomatic for many years. Only rupture of the sinus of Valsalva aneurysm leads to hemodynamic disturbances which in turn causes rapid deterioration of patient clinical condition. Some of the congenital heart diseases can be complicated by of infective endocarditis. This case report concerns the rupture of the sinus of Valsalva aneurysm in a 45 year old woman, which caused infective endocarditis on the tricuspid valve, which has been initially diagnosed as a complication of congenital heart disease in the form of the intraventricular defect.     

Unruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm mimicking as right atrial tumor

Sinus of Valsalva aneurysm is a rare congenital cardiac abnormality and is usually diagnosed when it ruptures. An asymptomatic 55‐year‐old male of unruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm of noncoronary cusp was on medical follow‐up. At 2‐year follow‐up, there was thrombus formation in the aneurysm, mimicking right atrium tumor on 2D transthoracic echocardiography. Cardiac computed tomography showed filling defect in the aneurysm suggestive of thrombus. Considering the high risk of systemic emboli surgery was performed, and aneurysm was repaired with Dacron patch.     

Ruptured sinus of valsalva aneurysm in a pregnant woman

A ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm is a rare cardiac anomaly, usually of a congenital nature. There are few documented cases of this condition during pregnancy, which renders unclear the therapeutic options. We report the case of a 35-year-old pregnant woman who presented at the hospital for cardiac evaluation due to the presence of a heart murmur. The patient was asymptomatic and in her 4th month of pregnancy. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm and a fistula to the right ventricle with evidence of a continuous left-to-right shunt.     

Delineation of anatomy of the ruptured sinus of Valsalva with three-dimensional echocardiography: the advantage of the added dimension

The rupture of sinus of Valsalva is a rare complication of infective endocarditis. Three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography represents an important adjunctive tool to demonstrate the ruptured sinus of Valsalva with better delineation of its characteristics. We present an adult patient with rupture of right sinus of Valsalva aneurysm due to infective endocarditis of the aortic valve, in whom the two-dimensional (2D) transthoracic echocardiogram erroneously localized the site of rupture into the right atrium. Whereas, 3D transthoracic echocardiogram accurately delineated the site of rupture into the right ventricle and it was confirmed on subsequent cardiac catheterization and angiogram. In addition, 3D echocardiography clearly showed the size and shape of the defect, which helped in successful transcatheter closure of the defect with amplatzer duct occluder device.     

A rare type of Gerbode defect

A Gerbode defect is a left ventricle to right atrial communication. The type I defect (direct, acquired) results in a direct shunt through the atrioventricular part of membranous septum, while a type II (indirect, congenital) defect results in an indirect shunt through a perimembranous ventricular septal defect (VSD) and a defect in the septal tricuspid valve leaflet. We report a rare type of Gerbode defect wherein a small perimembranous VSD is completely covered by an elongated sail-like anterior tricuspid leaflet forming an aneurysm and directing the shunt into right atrium.     

The chance finding of an aneurysm of the right sinus of Valsalva in an 11-year-old child with a ventricular septal defect and a pericardial effusion

Ventricular septal defects can occur as part of other congenital cardiac malformations or as an isolated finding. Aneurysms of the sinus of Valsalva are rare, most commonly involving the right or noncoronary sinuses. They can be congenital or acquired through infection, trauma, or degenerative diseases. They frequently co-exist with ventricular septal defects, aortic valve dysfunction, or other cardiac abnormalities. More commonly, sinus of Valsalva aneurysms are diagnosed after the clinical sequelae of rupture. Several etiologic factors may lead to the development of pathologic pericardial effusion and the detection of pericardial effusion was one of the first applications of echocardiography to gain widespread acceptance. We present a case of a chance finding of an aneurysm of the right sinus of Valsalva in an 11-year-old Italian child with a ventricular septal defect and a pericardial effusion.     

Two‐ and Three‐Dimensional Transthoracic Echocardiography in the Assessment of Acquired Ascending Aortic Aneurysm to Pulmonary Artery Fistula

Aorta to pulmonary artery fistula is an uncommon and potentially fatal condition. This case is of a 48‐year‐old Caucasian male with congestive heart failure and multiple aortic valve replacement surgeries who presented with an acquired ascending aortic aneurysm to pulmonary artery fistula diagnosed using two‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography via nonstandard imaging windows. Three‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography using live/real time three‐dimensional color Doppler was used to assess the size of the opening of the fistula, providing additional value. This patient was surgically managed and is doing well 8 months postoperation.     

The Value of Live/Real Time Three‐Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography in the Assessment of Valvular Vegetations

We studied 13 patients with valvular vegetations who underwent intraoperative live/real time three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3DTEE) and real time two‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (2DTEE). The 3DTEE provided incremental value on top of 2DTEE in its ability to accurately identify and localize vegetations and in identifying complications of infective endocarditis such as abscesses, perforations, and ruptured chordae. By using 3DTEE, we were able to measure vegetation volumes, perforation areas, and estimate the area of the valve that is involved in the infective process. These preliminary results suggest the superiority of 3DTEE over 2DTEE in the evaluation of valvular vegetations and provide incremental knowledge that is useful to the cardiac surgeons. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 26, November 2009)     

Real Time Three‐Dimensional Transthoracic Echocardiography of Ruptured Left Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysm to Left Ventricle

Aneurysms arising from the sinus of Valsalva are a rare cardiac defect that can present with various signs and symptoms, and if not diagnosed and treated rapidly can lead to fatal outcomes. Unruptured aneurysms are usually asymptomatic and found incidentally during diagnostic studies. More commonly, aneurysm of sinus of Valsalva is detected after the occurrence of rupture. Echocardiography has become the investigative tool of choice for this condition, not only for diagnosis but also for quantification of severity. We hereby report a rare case of a 15‐year‐old patient presenting with complaints of effort dyspnea and palpitations. Two‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) showed aneurysmal dilatation of left sinus of Valsalva which had ruptured into the left ventricle. Also, there was an intimal flap within the sinus of Valsalva aneurysm. The anatomical relationship between the aorta, aneurysm, and the left ventricle as well as the intimal flap within the aneurysm was clearly delineated with the help of three‐dimensional TTE. After confirmation of the diagnosis with multidetector computed tomography, patient underwent successful surgical repair of the defect.     

Severe Right Ventricular Outflow Obstruction by Right Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysm

Aneurysms of the sinus of Valsalva are rarely diagnosed cardiac anomalies, occurring in 0.14%–0.96% of patients who have undergone open heart surgical procedures. The most common congenital anomalies accompanying sinus of Valsalva aneurysm (SVA) are ventricular septal defect, bicuspid aortic valve, atrial septal defect, and coarctation of aorta. We report a patient with an unruptured right SVA presenting with severe right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) obstruction, and coexisting patent foramen ovale (PFO) with a right to left shunt. It could be assumed that the increase in right atrial pressure due to RVOT obstruction had led to a right to left shunt across the patent foramen ovale. (Echocardiography 2010;27:341‐343)     

彩色多普勒超声心动图对主动脉窦瘤的诊断价值

目的 :旨在探讨彩色多普勒超声心动图 (CDE)诊断主动脉窦瘤的临床价值。方法 :观察分析 115例主动脉窦瘤CDE图像特征及规律性并与手术对照。结果 :95例源于右冠状动脉窦 ,19例源于无冠状动脉窦 ,1例源于左冠状动脉窦 ;窦瘤破入右心室 95例 ,破入右心房 18例 ,破入左心室 1例 ,破入室间隔 1例。合并室间隔缺损 79例 ,主动脉瓣脱垂及反流 5 5例 ,心内膜炎 2 9例 ,其它房间隔缺损、动脉导管未闭分别为 4、9例。术前CDE诊断结论与手术符合率达 99% ,合并室间隔缺损的检出率为 91%。本组合并室间隔缺损占整个病例的 68% ,占窦瘤破入右心室的 84%之多。合并主动脉瓣脱垂或反流本组检出率高于手术所见 (62 /5 5 )。结论 :CDE可以判明主动脉窦瘤的精确的解剖 ,包括窦瘤的来源部位、形态、大小、血流动力学影响 ,是否合并其它心脏畸形等。患者经CDE检查后不必作其他辅助性诊断检查就进行手术是安全、准确、可靠的。     

Tricuspid endocarditis with indirect Gerbode: septal translocation of posterior leaflet

Tricuspid valve endocarditis with acquired Gerbode defect is rare and can be quiet challenging to the surgeon, often requiring complex repair procedures. We present a technique for Gerbode shunt closure using pericardial patch and reconstruction of the tricuspid valve by septal translocation of posterior tricuspid leaflet, which resulted in a good and competent tricuspid valve with no residual shunt.     

Doppler echocardiographic detection of a ruptured acquired aneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva. Clinical-morphologic correlations

Two-dimensional, pulsed Doppler echocardiographic and pathologic features of an unusual form of ruptured aneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva are presented. The presence of an aneurysm of the left sinus of Valsalva protruding into the left atrium complicating acute aortic valvular endocarditis was detected by two-dimensional echocardiography. Rupture of the aneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva into the left atrial cavity was suggested by pulsed Doppler echocardiography. The size and location of the site of the rupture precluded recognition by two-dimensional echocardiography or contrast angiography. This report illustrates the unique value of pulsed Doppler echocardiography to define the location and direction of intracardiac flow patterns in evaluating patients with an aneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva and suspected rupture.     

Endocarditis of the tricuspid valve associated with congenital coronary arteriovenous fistula

A 17 year old girl with a congenital right coronary artery to coronary sinus fistula presented with recurrent septic pulmonary embolism secondary to tricuspid valve endocarditis. The diagnosis was made on the basis of echocardiography and cardiac angiography.