Cardiac tamponade and death from intrapericardial rupture [corrected] of sinus of Valsalva aneurysm.

A 35-year-old woman presented with dyspnea and chest pain. She had a large aneurysm of the non-coronary sinus of Valsalva. Before her scheduled urgent surgery, the patient collapsed and died of cardiac tamponade secondary to intrapericardial rupture of the aneurysm. We would advocate urgent repair of this type of lesion to prevent such an outcome. We are aware of no other specific reports addressing extracardiac rupture of non-coronary cusp aneurysms [corrected].     

Repair of intrapericardial rupture of left sinus of Valsalva aneurysm

A 62-year-old man with no history of preexisting heart disease was seen in cardiogenic shock. Prompt cardiac catheterization and aortography revealed pericardial tamponade and aneurysms of the right and left sinuses of Valsalva. Immediate sternotomy relieved the tamponade, which was secondary to an aneurysm of the left sinus of Valsalva rupturing into the transverse pericardial sinus. Endoaneurysmorrhaphy was performed successfully.     

Adult aortic coarctation discovered incidentally after the rupture of sinus of Valsalva aneurysm: combined surgical and interventional approach

Combination of ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm (SVA), and a coexisting asymptomatic adult aortic isthmic coarctation is extremely rare. The timing and sequence of surgical and/or interventional repair of these two pathologies are controversial. We present a case of a 37-year-old male who was admitted to our department because of severe acute congestive heart failure and signs of ruptured aneurysm of the SV into the right ventricle. Transthoracic and transoesophageal echocardiography confirmed the communication between an important right coronary SVA and right ventricle, bicuspid aortic valve, mild aortic regurgitation, and revealed severe aortic coarctation. Because of the severe dilation of right sinus of Valsalva a surgical repair of the ruptured aneurysm was performed. Aortic coarctation was treated four weeks later by a percutaneous stent-graft implantation. This case report supports the concept that hybrid approach is feasible in patients with ruptured SVA and aortic coarctation in adulthood.     

Ruptured congenital aneurysm of the sinus of valsalva in the aged

Ruptured aneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva is a rare cardiac lesion. A ruptured aneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva in the right ventricle of a 64-year-old man was successfully repaired. The patient was admitted to the hospital with high fever and chest oppression. Diagnosis was made by two dimensional echocardiography, cardiac catheterization, and cardiac angiography. An aortotomy, main pulmonary arteriotomy, and right ventriculotomy were performed. There was no VSD, and the aneurysm originated from the right coronary sinus, rupturing into the right ventricle inlet portion. The ruptured aneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva was closed with a Dacron patch from inside the aorta. He is doing well after surgery. There was no heart murmur. CTR decreased and pulmonary blood flow fell to a normal value. As far as we know, this patient is the second oldest patient in Japan with surgical repair.     

Ruptured congenital sinus of valsalva aneurysms

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: Rupture of the sinus of Valsalva is rare, and there is a higher incidence of such rupture in Oriental countries than elsewhere. The objective of this study is to present the pathologic features and the clinical outcome after surgery in such patients. METHODS: Between 1980 and 2001, a total of 17 patients (15 males and 2 females) with ruptured aneurysm of sinus of Valsalva underwent surgical intervention at the Tri-Service General Hospital, Taiwan. Their age ranged from 22 to 59 years with a mean of 33.5 years. These surgical operations made up 0.51% of the total cardiac operations (3305) performed during this period. The medical records were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: The origin of the ruptured aneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva was the right coronary sinus in 12 patients, the noncoronary sinus in 4, and the left coronary sinus in one patient. The aneurysms ruptured into the right ventricle in 12 patients, into the right atrium in 3 patients, and into the left ventricle in 2 patients. Associated cardiac anomalies were aortic regurgitation in eight patients, ventricular septal defect in seven, and coronary artery fistula in one patient. There was no early postoperative death and one patient underwent a second operation after aneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva (ASV) relapse. CONCLUSIONS: The operation for a ruptured aneurysm of sinus of Valsalva carries a low operative risk and results in excellent long-term survival after surgical treatment.     

Surgical repair of a sinus of a Valsalva aneurysm ruptured into the left ventricle

A 47-year-old man presented with orthopnea. He had no infection or, in particular, infectious endocarditis. An echocardiogram and multislice computed tomography scan revealed a left sinus of Valsalva aneurysm (SVA) that had ruptured into the left ventricle, with severe aortic regurgitation. He was diagnosed with ruptured congenital SVA with severe aortic regurgitation and underwent closure of the aneurysmal mouth with a Dacron patch, and concomitant aortic valve replacement. The use of a Dacron patch to close the aneurysmal mouth of a ruptured congenital left SVA has not been reported previously in the medical literature.     

Cardiac tamponade during transesophageal echocardiography in a patient with infective endocarditis

An 81-year-old man with a history of diabetes mellitus and end-stage renal disease was admitted because of infective endocarditis. During transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), pericardial effusion rapidly increased and led to cardiac tamponade. Despite intensive therapy, the patient did not recover. Autopsy showed hemopericardium, ruptured sinus of Valsalva, and vegetation on the aortic valve. Our case suggests that cardiac tamponade due to the rupture of a sinus of Valsalva can occur in patients with aortic valve endocarditis complicated by perivalvular abscess. Therefore, we must be aware of this devastating complication and take preventive measures when performing TEE in such patients.     

A case report of surgical repair of ruptured aneurysm of sinus valsalva in aged (84 years old)]

An 84-year-old man with ruptured aneurysm of Valsalva sinus was operated. Diagnosis was made by two dimensional echocardiography, cardiac catheterization, and cardiac angiography. A aneurysm was found at the right-coronary sinus region, and ruptured into the right ventricle. The ruptured aneurysm of sinus Valsalva was repaired with direct closure and Woven patch from inside the right ventricle through the pulmonary valve. This case was defined as congenital because there was no sign of inflammatory or atherosclerotic changes in the aorta, aortic valve and aneurysm. The ruptured aneurysm of sinus Valsalva is very rare in aged patients. As far as we know, this patient is one of the oldest cases who underwent successful surgical repair in this country.     

Surgical repair and long-term results in ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm

Thirty-one patients with a ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm (SVA) were operated on between January, 1961, and December, 1987. Twenty-five patients (81%) were in New York Heart Association (NYHA) Functional Class III or IV. Coexistent cardiac anomalies included a ventricular septal defect (VSD) in 16 patients (52%) and aortic valve regurgitation in 12 patients (39%). The ruptured SVA originated from the right coronary sinus in 29 patients (94%) and the noncoronary sinus in 2 patients (6%), and drained into the right ventricle in 30 patients (97%). In 6 patients treated recently, we used patches to repair the ruptured SVA and VSD through a double approach, thereby avoiding a ventriculotomy. This method resulted in no recurrent rupture or residual VSD postoperatively. There was one operative death (3%) and 4 late deaths (13%). Of the 26 surviving patients, 22 (85%) were in NYHA Class I at follow-up ranging from 6 months to 26.7 years (mean, 11.1 years). Actuarial survival at 25 years is 85.6 +/- 7.4% (mean +/- standard deviation). Repair of ruptured SVA with a patch through a double approach provides an excellent operative procedure and offers a long-term outcome.     

Ventricular tachycardia secondary to aneurysm of sinus of Valsalva.

A patient with unruptured aneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva presented because of ventricular tachycardia refractory to medical therapy. The underlying problem was not suspected until cardiac catheterization. Once the aneurysm was repaired, the tachycardia was abolished; the patient required no antiarrhythmic drugs. Two points are emphasized: First, cardiac catheterization is often indicated early in cases of ventricular tachycardia without obvious cause. Second, recurrent ventricular tachycardia is a hitherto unreported but important complication of sinus of Valsalva aneurysm.     

Ruptured aneurysms of the sinus of Valsalva in Oriental patients

Between 1964 and 1987, a total of 57 cases of ruptured aneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva underwent surgical correction at the National Taiwan University Hospital. This represents 0.96% of all cardiac operations. The origin of ruptured aneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva was the right coronary sinus in 46, the noncoronary sinus in nine, and the left coronary sinus in two. The aneurysms ruptured into the right ventricle in 44, into the right atrium in 11, into the left ventricle in one, and into both the right ventricle and right atrium in one. Associated congenital cardiac anomalies included ventricular septal defect in 30 patients, aortic regurgitation in 20, and infundibular pulmonic stenosis and coarctation of the aorta in one each. Operative death occurred in two patients (3.5%) and one patient had a successful reoperation. The remainder did well following surgery. To compare the differences between Oriental and Western countries in ruptured aneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva, 361 cases (195 Oriental patients versus 166 Western) were collected from the literature. Analyses of these cases revealed that ruptured aneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva in Oriental patients compared with Western series is characterized by a higher incidence (5 times), more aneurysms originating from the right coronary sinus (87.9% versus 63.6%), more aneurysm rupturing into the right ventricle (84.2% versus 56.6%), a higher incidence of association with ventricular septal defect (mainly supracristal) (59.0% versus 34.6%), less incidence of association with other congenital cardiac abnormalities (4.1% versus 21.5%), very few instances of rupturing into cardiac chambers other than the right ventricle and right atrium, and less incidence of occurrence in the extremities of ages (the youngest was 7 years in Oriental patients versus 11 months in the Western series). In other words, ruptured aneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva in Oriental patients is more or less a simple and uniform disease entity in contrast to the more diverse and protean pathologic profiles encountered in Western series. However, both Oriental patient and Western patient series have similar incidences of combination with aortic regurgitation (24.6% versus 20.0%), with 40.4% of Oriental patients and 60.6% of Western patients presenting with intact ventricular septum. Therefore the pathogenetic mechanisms of ruptured aneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva may at the same time contribute to the development of aortic regurgitation.     

Aneurysm of coronary sinus of Valsalva can rupture anytime!

An aneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva ruptures in about 35% of all cases and only leads to acute symptoms in 25% of all patients. This paper illustrates a case of a patient who was scheduled for an elective operation due to an aneurysm of the right coronary sinus of Valsalva, which ruptured and led to the necessity of an emergency surgery.     

Aneurysm of sinus of Valsalva

Aneurysm of sinus of Valsalva is a rare cardiac abnormality with congenital origin in most of the cases. If it is located in the right coronary sinus, it usually ruptures into a right heart chamber and frequently a ventricular septal defect (VSD) coexists with this condition. Early diagnosis and immediate surgical treatment can save the patient's life in most cases. All the 3 cases reported in this series had aneurysm of right sinus of Valsalva with associated VSD and mild degree of aortic regurgitation (AR). Two of the cases ruptured aneurysm into the right ventricle. Trans-esophageal echocardiography was used to confirm the diagnosis and all three showed good results with surgery.     

Unruptured aneurysm of the noncoronary sinus of Valsalva protruded into the left atrium; report of a case

A successful operative treatment of an unruptured aneurysm of the noncoronary sinus of Valsalva protruded into the left atrium is reported. A 64-year-old female was unexpectedly found an aneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva during the examination of bradycardia. Cardiac angiography and two dimensional echocardiography demonstrated the unruptured aneurysm of the noncoronary sinus of Valsalva of 35 mm in diameter, which protruded into the left atrium. She underwent the surgery. The aneurysm was excised and the aortic root defect was closed with a Woven dacron patch. The postoperative course was uneventful. Pathologic examination revealed the atherosclerotic change of the aorta. As far as we know, this patient is the first reported case of the unruptured aneurysm of the noncoronary sinus of Valsalva protruded into the left atrium in this country.     

Ruptured congenital aneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva: surgical technique and long-term follow-up.

Congenital ruptured aneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva is a rare anomaly usually causing decrease of cardiac performance. Eight patients with a ruptured congenital aneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva were operated upon at the University Hospital Zurich between 1970 and 1991. There were four female and four male patients aged from 15 to 48 years (mean, 36 years). Three patients were asymptomatic and five symptomatic. Associated congenital cardiac defects were found in six patients. Surgical techniques consisted of direct suture in seven patients and closure with a Dacron patch in one. A secondary Dacron patch closure was performed on the second postoperative day in a patient with suture insufficiency after direct closure. Associated operations were closure of ventricular septal defect in two patients, aortic valve replacement in two, aortic valve reconstruction in one and aortic valve commissurotomy in one patient. There were no operative deaths. The mean follow-up was 9 years, range 7 months to 17 years. There were two late deaths due to endocarditis and recurrent cerebral embolisation. An operation for a ruptured aneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva has a low operative risk, but patients remain prone to development of late valvular complications.     

Rupture of sinus of Valsalva aneurysm into both right atrium and right ventricle. A case report

A young man had a congenital sinus of Valsalva aneurysm originating from the right coronary sinus, complicated by fistulas draining into both right atrium and right ventricle, as well as a congenitally abnormal aortic valve with mild aortic insufficiency. His dramatic clinical presentation, with the sudden appearance of severe biventricular cardiac failure unresponsive to intensive medical therapy, was an important clue to making the correct pre-operative diagnosis. The use of non-invasive techniques, such as phonocardiography and M-mode and two-dimensional echocardiography, is highlighted. Full cardiac catheterization was employed to define the cardiac pathophysiology. This was one of the few cases documented in which a catheter could be passed from the aorta into the right ventricle via the fistula connecting these two chambers. The fistulas were closed and the aortic valve replaced. Postoperative investigations confirmed the success of corrective surgery. As far as we are aware this is the first documented case of successful repair of a congenital sinus of Valsalva aneurysm rupturing into both the right atrium and right ventricle, accompanied by aortic insufficiency.     

A rare case of an extracardiac unruptured aneurysm of the sinus of valsalva in a patient with single coronary artery

A 75-year-old man with gastric cancer underwent preoperative cardiac examination by echocardiography, and an unruptured extracardiac aneurysm was detected in the right sinus of Valsalva. Coronary angiography by multidetector computed tomography demonstrated a single left coronary artery. Patch closure of the orifice of the aneurysm of the right sinus of Valsalva was successfully performed for this extremely rare combination.     

Congenital aneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva dissecting into the interventricular septum

The case of a 57-year-old man with a congenital aneurysm of the right sinus of Valsalva dissecting into the interventricular septum is presented. The patient had a previous heart block and aortic insufficiency. The diagnosis was made by echocardiography and cardiac catheterization. Open-heart surgery was performed, closing the entrance of the aneurysm and replacing the aortic valve. The patient survived surgery and is in New York Heart Association functional class II 3 years after surgical repair. Other cases of this uncommon congenital heart disease are reviewed.     

Surgical repair of extracardiac unruptured aneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva; report of a case

A 65-year-old man presented with a 6 year history of dyspnea. An unruptured aneurysm of sinus of Valsalva and aortic regurgitation had been detected at another hospital a year previously, and he was referred to our hospital for surgery. At operation, an extracardiac saccular aneurysm was widely localized to the noncoronary sinus of Valsalva and protruded into the left atrium. The aneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva (ASV) was repaired with patch closure using a dacron sheet, and aortic valve replacement was performed with a 21 mm Carpentier-Edward valve. However, there was uncontrollable bleeding from the patch suture line, so ascending aorta replacement and repair of the Valsalva sinus were additionally needed. He was discharged without any postoperative complication 7 weeks after operation. Cases of an ASV protruding into the left atrium are very rare. We recommend remodeling of the aortic root with wide replacement of 1 sinus for extracardiac succular ASV, because the tissue around the ASV is so fragile.     

Ruptured aneurysms of the sinus of Valsalva.

From 1969 to 1989, 15 patients with an aneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva underwent operative correction. This represents 0.23% of 6515 cardiac operations with cardiopulmonary bypass during that time. There were 8 males and 7 females ranging in age from 15 to 54 years (mean 35.8 years). Symptoms of congestive heart failure, fatigue and palpitation were common. All patients underwent cardiac catheterization including aortography. Associated lesions included aortic valve regurgitation in 6 patients and a ventricular septal defect in 3 patients. The following connections occurred: right coronary sinus to right ventricle (8 patients), right coronary sinus to both right atrium and right ventricle (1 patient), and noncoronary sinus to right atrium (6 patients). The aneurysm was repaired via aortotomy or through the chamber into which it emptied. The aortic valve was replaced in 2 patients. There were no early or late postoperative deaths. Fourteen patients were in NYHA functional class I at late follow-up (range 0.5 to 20.5 years, mean 8.7 years). There have been no recurrences. Our experience supports the concept that early surgical intervention in patients with ruptured aneurysms of the sinus of Valsalva is justified.