A rare cause of acute heart failure

Rev Port Cir Cardiotorac Vasc. 2012 Apr-Jun;19(2):71-4.

Abstract

We describe a rare clinical case of ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm (RSVA) into the right ventricle, complicated with severe aortic regurgitation (AR) and myocardial ischaemia. The AR was caused by a hemodynamic effect solely, in which the shunt of blood flow through the ruptured site pulled the right aortic cusp away from closure. The pathological mechanism of the AR was clearly visualized by transesophageal echocardiography. Early successful primary closure of the RSVA resulted in resolution of the associated AR without any additional procedure.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Aortic Aneurysm / complications*
  • Aortic Aneurysm / pathology
  • Aortic Aneurysm / surgery
  • Aortic Rupture / complications*
  • Aortic Rupture / pathology
  • Aortic Rupture / surgery
  • Aortic Valve Insufficiency / pathology
  • Aortic Valve Insufficiency / surgery
  • Echocardiography, Transesophageal
  • Female
  • Heart Failure / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Myocardial Ischemia / pathology
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Sinus of Valsalva / pathology*
  • Sinus of Valsalva / surgery
  • Young Adult