[Aortic sinus aneurysm. The angiographic diagnosis (author's transl)]

Three cases of aortic sinus aneurysm and three cases of prolapse and regurgitation of the aortic valve associated with ventricular septal defect are discussed from an angiographic point of view. It is pointed out that aortic regurgitation into the left ventricle might be helpful for a correct diagnosis. Aortic regurgitation, in fact, is the result of an anatomically unsupported aortic valve that becomes gradually distorted by haemodynamic influences. This pathogenetic mechanism is often found in subpulmonar and infracrestal ventricular septal defect.