Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 6, 2026

Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure
07:41

Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure

Published on: February 8, 2022

3.6K

Aortic Periannular Abscess Missed by Transthoracic Echocardiography: A Case Report

Wenjuan He1, Yudong Peng2, Yan Yi2

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University Jingzhou China.

Clinical Case Reports
|January 20, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Aortic periannular abscess (PA), a complication of infective endocarditis (IE), can be missed by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is crucial for detecting these critical lesions, leading to timely surgical intervention and recovery.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Surgical Pathology

Background:

  • Aortic periannular abscess (PA) is a severe complication of infective endocarditis (IE).
  • Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for patient outcomes.
  • Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) may have limitations in detecting subtle PAs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight a case of aortic PA initially missed by TTE.
  • To emphasize the diagnostic superiority of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in identifying intracardiac lesions.
  • To underscore the importance of advanced imaging in managing IE complications.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of a patient presenting with symptoms of IE.
  • Initial diagnostic assessment included TTE.
  • Definitive diagnosis of aortic PA was established using TEE.
  • Surgical intervention was performed.

Main Results:

  • The patient presented with fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
  • Aortic PA was not identified on initial TTE.
  • TEE successfully identified the aortic PA.
  • The patient underwent immediate surgery and had a favorable recovery.

Conclusions:

  • TEE is essential for detecting small but critical intracardiac lesions, such as aortic PAs, that may be overlooked by TTE.
  • Prompt diagnosis and surgical management of aortic PA are vital for successful treatment of IE complications.
  • This case highlights the indispensable role of TEE in the comprehensive evaluation of suspected infective endocarditis.
Keywords:
aortic periannular abscesscase reportinfective endocarditissmall vegetationtransesophageal echocardiographytransthoracic echocardiography

More Related Videos

Operating Transverse Aortic Constriction with Absorbable Suture to Obtain Transient Myocardial Hypertrophy07:02

Operating Transverse Aortic Constriction with Absorbable Suture to Obtain Transient Myocardial Hypertrophy

Published on: September 9, 2020

6.2K
Author Spotlight: Using Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Comprehensive Evaluation of the Abdominal Aorta07:12

Author Spotlight: Using Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Comprehensive Evaluation of the Abdominal Aorta

Published on: September 8, 2023

2.2K

Related Concept Videos

Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction01:15

Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction

IntroductionAortic regurgitation is characterized by the backward flow of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole and arises from the improper closure of the aortic valve. This condition results in left ventricular volume overload and can stem from both acute and chronic etiologies, each contributing uniquely to the disease's progression and symptomatology.Acute and Chronic CausesAcute aortic regurgitation often results from events that suddenly impair the integrity of the...
1.7K
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:22

Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Aortic valve regurgitation (AR) occurs when the aortic valve fails to close properly, allowing blood to flow backward from the aorta into the left ventricle. This backflow can result in two distinct clinical presentations: acute and chronic AR, each characterized by its own set of symptoms and physical findings.Acute Aortic RegurgitationAcute AR presents with a sudden onset of severe symptoms. Patients typically experience profound dyspnea (shortness of breath), chest pain, and signs of left...
1.2K
Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:22

Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

The key clinical manifestations of Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) include several distinct cardiac symptoms.Carditis, a hallmark of acute rheumatic fever, involves inflammation of the heart's endocardium, myocardium, and pericardium. Chronic RHD often results from recurrent episodes of carditis. Its symptoms include the following:Murmurs are caused by valvular damage, especially to the mitral and aortic valves. Mitral stenosis or regurgitation is common, with characteristic heart murmurs...
1.3K
Aneurysm I: Introduction01:30

Aneurysm I: Introduction

An aortic aneurysm is a localized outpouching or dilation at a weak point in the artery wall. It may involve different parts of the aorta, such as the abdominal aorta, aortic arch, or thoracic aorta.Etiological factorsSeveral disorders are associated with aortic aneurysms.Congenital causes, such as primary connective tissue disorders like Marfan syndrome, impact the integrity and strength of connective tissues, notably affecting the aorta. Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder that specifically...
660
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:21

Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Thoracic, aortic arch and abdominal aneurysms are significant vascular conditions that can present with various clinical manifestations and lead to serious complications. Understanding these manifestations and the appropriate diagnostic studies is essential for effective management and treatment.Thoracic Aortic AneurysmsThoracic aortic aneurysms often remain asymptomatic until they reach a size that impinges on adjacent structures. They typically cause deep, diffuse chest pain that radiates to...
593