Fistula formation following repair of a pseudoaneurysm of the mitral-aortic intervalvular fibrosa - A rare complication

J Cardiol Cases. 2017 Mar 11;15(5):170-172. doi: 10.1016/j.jccase.2017.01.006. eCollection 2017 May.

Abstract

The mitral-aortic intervalvular fibrosa is an avascular fibrous structure connecting the mitral and aortic annuli that is prone to pseudoaneurysm formation. Pseudoaneurysm of the mitral-aortic intervalvular fibrosa is a known complication of many conditions such as infective endocarditis and valvular surgery. It requires surgical correction. Its long-term consequences are little known. We present in this report the case of a 62-year-old male with history of pseudoaneurysm of the mitral-aortic intervalvular fibrosa repair and redo mitral and aortic prosthetic valve replacements. After five years of asymptomatic follow-up, the patient presented with sudden-onset heart failure. Echocardiographic investigation demonstrated two aorto-atrial fistulae at the site of his previous repair and adequate function of both prosthetic valves. The fistulae were repaired and the prosthetic valves were left in place. This represents a potential late surgical complication of pseudoaneurysm of the mitral-aortic intervalvular fibrosa. <Learning Objectives: This case report describes a rare complication occurring many years after the repair of a pseudoaneurysm of the mitral-aortic intervalvular fibrosa. Surgical and follow-up history is discussed to familiarize clinicians with this atypical presentation type.>.

Keywords: Fistula formation; Late complication; Pseudoaneurysm of the mitral-aortic intervalvular fibrosa repair; Valve surgery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports