A case of acute heart failure due to giant aortic pseudoaneurysm with fistulization to the right ventricle after a modified Bentall operation

Simultaneous en bloc replacement of the ascending aorta and aortic valve by a composite valve graft, as first described by Bentall and De Bono in 1968 and with later modifications, has become the standard surgical technique in the treatment of aneurysms of the aortic root associated with severe aortic valve dysfunction. Despite the good surgical results overall, it is still associated with considerable perioperative mortality and with dire complications in the long run. We report a case of a giant aortic pseudoaneurysm compressing the right heart chambers and communicating with the right ventricle presenting as rapidly progressing heart failure a few months after a Bentall operation.