Repair of a fistula between the aorta and right ventricular outflow tract secondary to infective endocarditis of a unicuspid aortic valve and previously repaired ventricular septal defect

J Cardiothorac Surg. 2024 Apr 16;19(1):236. doi: 10.1186/s13019-024-02746-3.

Abstract

Background: Infective endocarditis of the aortic valve can result in a wide range of destructive pathology beyond the valve leaflets and annulus which require careful surgical planning to provide appropriate debridement and reconstruction. Failure to do so can result in a failure of surgical treatment, recurrent infection and cardiac failure with concomitant high morbidity and mortality.

Case report: We describe the case of a 45-year-old male with previous patch repair of a ventricular septal defect, who was diagnosed with sub-acute bacterial endocarditis of the native aortic valve and developed a new fistula from the aorta to the right ventricular outflow tract which. This was managed surgically.

Conclusion: This unique case highlights another spectrum of infective endocarditis with a unique approach to repair and management.

Keywords: Congenital heart disease; Fistula; Infective endocarditis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aorta
  • Aortic Valve / surgery
  • Endocarditis* / complications
  • Endocarditis, Bacterial* / complications
  • Endocarditis, Bacterial* / diagnosis
  • Endocarditis, Bacterial* / surgery
  • Heart Septal Defects, Ventricular* / complications
  • Heart Septal Defects, Ventricular* / surgery
  • Heart Valve Diseases*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged

Supplementary concepts

  • unicuspid aortic valve