ESC Journals
A sinus of Valsalva aneurysm (SVA) is a rare cardiac anomaly. Most SVA’s rupture into right heart chambers and can be classified using the modified Sakakibara classification according to the site of rupture. Transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) is a useful diagnostic tool and aides in treatment planning in patients with congenital anomalies in emergency situations. Three-dimensional TOE (3D-TOE) provides additional value over standard TOE.
A 38-year-old man with a reported history of ventricular septal defect (VSD) presented to the emergency department complaining of chest pain and epigastric pain lasting several days. Physical examination revealed a continuous heart murmur and signs of acute heart failure. A 3D-TOE revealed an SVA rupture into the right ventricle (Type IIIv) but no evidence of a VSD. Urgent aortic valve replacement with correction of the ruptured SVA was performed. Neither a VSD nor signs of endocarditis were found during surgical exploration. The patient was discharged on post-operative Day 5 in good condition.
A sinus of Valsalva aneurysm is a rare cardiac condition. Ventricular septal defect, bicuspid aortic valve, or aortic valve regurgitation may coexist with SVA. Xin-Jin