Open AccessRuptured Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysm Causing Aorto–Atrial Fistula and Acute Heart Failure: A Rare Encounter
Author(s) -
Atif Zafar,
Talal Asif,
Justin Sheehy,
Dany Jacob,
Paramdeep Baweja
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
european journal of case reports in internal medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.125
H-Index - 1
ISSN - 2284-2594
DOI - 10.12890/2020_001499
Subject(s) - medicine , transthoracic echocardiogram , fistula , transesophageal echocardiogram , heart failure , aneurysm , cardiology , ventricle , coronary sinus , sinus (botany) , radiology , surgery , botany , biology , genus
A ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm as a cause of aorto–atrial fistula is very rare. We present the case of a 53-year-old female who presented with symptoms of acute heart failure and suspicion of an aorto–atrial fistula found on a transthoracic echocardiogram, which was confirmed on transesophageal echocardiography. A coronary angiogram showed normal coronary arteries but confirmed the right aorto–atrial fistula on aortogram. She underwent successful surgical repair of the fistula. Her postoperative echocardiogram showed a normal right atrium and right ventricle with no shunt. A ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm is a devastating event and presents as acute heart failure. Prompt diagnosis and surgical repair is necessary to prevent mortality.