Sinus of valsalva aneurysm: A single institutional experience with 216 patients over 30 years

Sinus of valsalva aneurysm (SVA) with rupture is a rare cardiac anomaly which can be congenital or acquired with reported incidence of 0.46%-3.57% among Asians population.

The aim of this study is to analyze 30 years of single institutional surgical experience in management of 216 cases with SVAs from 1992 till date.

Age group was from 6 to 64 years (mean: 32.5 ± 11 years) with male to female ratio of 2.2:1. The aneurysms originated from right coronary sinus in 181 cases (83.79%), noncoronary sinus in 35 cases (15.74%) and ruptured into the right ventricle in 149 cases (68.98%), right atrium in 59 cases (27.31%). Bicameral approach was used in majority of the cases (n = 213, 98.61%). Aneurysms were repaired using Dacron patch in 173 cases (80.09%) and direct closure in 43 cases (19.9%). Associated ventricular septal defect was closed with Dacron patch in 123 cases (56.94%). Aortic valve was replaced in 21 cases (9.72%) and aortic valve repair was performed in 14 cases (6.48%) for associated Aortic regurgitation.

There were no perioperative hospital deaths. Follow-up was available in 204 patients (94.44%) ranging from 2 to 26 years (mean: 10 ± 5.6 years). Two deaths (0.92%) occurred during the postoperative follow-up period. The actual survival was 99.5% at 1 year, 99% at 5 and 10 years.

Long term results of surgically repaired SVAs are good with low morbidity (3.24%) and mortality (0.92%) even when associated with major cardiac anomalies. Aortic valve repair and replacement both are equally feasible alternatives for management of moderate to severe aortic regurgitation with associated merits and demerits.