Ruptured Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysm Causing Aorto–Atrial Fistula and Acute Heart Failure: A Rare Encounter
Keywords
Sinus of Valsalva aneurysm, aorto–atrial fistula, heart failureAbstract
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.