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[Aneurysms of the left sinus of Valsalva]
R P Dabizzi1, G Barletta, G Teodori
1Cattedra di Malattie dell'Apparato Cardiovascolare, Università di Firenze.
Insights
A rare acquired aneurysm of the aortic sinus can rupture into the ventricle. Echocardiography, including Doppler, can effectively diagnose these aneurysms and ruptures, aiding surgical planning.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Medical Imaging
- Cardiac Surgery
Context:
- Acquired aneurysms of the aortic sinus are uncommon cardiac lesions.
- Rupture of these aneurysms into the cardiac ventricles presents a diagnostic challenge.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the diagnostic utility of echocardiography in cases of acquired aortic sinus aneurysm rupture.
- To present two cases of aortic sinus aneurysm rupture diagnosed and managed surgically.
Summary:
- Two cases of acquired left aortic sinus aneurysm rupture were observed, one into the left ventricle and the other into the right ventricle.
- Echocardiography, including two-dimensional and Doppler techniques, successfully identified the aneurysms and their ruptures.
- Cardiac catheterization, aortography, and surgical findings confirmed the echocardiographic diagnoses.
Impact:
- Echocardiography is a valuable non-invasive tool for diagnosing aortic sinus aneurysms and their ruptures.
- This study highlights the potential for echocardiography to guide surgical intervention in selected cases.
- Improved diagnostic capabilities can lead to timely and effective management of these rare cardiovascular conditions.
Abstract:
The acquired aneurysm of the left aortic sinus is a rare lesion. We observed two cases: the former ruptured in the left ventricle, the latter in the right ventricle. Both cases were identified by echocardiographic examination. The diagnosis was confirmed by the cardiac catheterization and aortography and then at cardiac surgery. In the latter case the diagnosis of rupture was done using Doppler technique. Our experience indicates that, at least in selected cases, the diagnosis of aneurysm of Valsalva sinus and that of rupture are possible by means of two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography.