Ruptured Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysm Causing Aorto–Atrial Fistula and Acute Heart Failure: A Rare Encounter

Authors

• Zafar Ali University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
• Talal Asif John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County, Chicago, IL, USA
• Justin Sheehy University of Missouri–Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
• Dany Jacob University of Missouri–Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
• Paramdeep S Baweja University of Missouri–Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA

zfar.ali15@gmail.com

Keywords

Abstract

A ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm as a cause of aorto–atrial fistula is very rare. We present the case of a 53-year-old female who presented with symptoms of acute heart failure and suspicion of an aorto–atrial fistula found on a transthoracic echocardiogram, which was confirmed on transesophageal echocardiography. A coronary angiogram showed normal coronary arteries but confirmed the right aorto–atrial fistula on aortogram. She underwent successful surgical repair of the fistula. Her postoperative echocardiogram showed a normal right atrium and right ventricle with no shunt. A ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm is a devastating event and presents as acute heart failure. Prompt diagnosis and surgical repair is necessary to prevent mortality.