Ruptured and non-ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysms: five case studies

Between 1987 and 2000, we observed retrospectively a series of five cases of surgically treated sinus of Valsalva aneurysms (SVAs) at the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Atatürk University, Erzurum, Turkey. The mean age of the five patients was 32.6 years (range, 18-48 years). Three were male and two were female. Aneurysms originated from the right coronary sinus in four patients, and from the non-coronary sinus in one. Three aneurysms fistulized to the right ventricle, one to the right atrium and the last, originating from the right coronary sinus, was non-ruptured. Two aortic insufficiencies, two ventricular septal defects, one patent ductus arteriosus and one left ventricular outlet obstruction were found as concomitant lesions. All cases were symptomatic. Ruptured SVAs were repaired by double approach involving both the chamber and aortic root. There was no late mortality either in the hospital or during the follow-up period (mean 40.4 months, range 13-66 months). No patient required re-operation.