Ruptured aneurysm of sinus of Valsalva: recognition by Doppler color flow mapping

Doppler echocardiographic characteristics of sinus of valsalva aneurysms

This study evaluated the efficacy of a comprehensive transthoracic Doppler echocardiographic examination for correct detection of SVA and its associated lesions of VSD and aortic insufficiency. A consecutive series of 36 patients was obtained; all had surgical confirmation of the anatomic defects. The location of the SVA was correctly determined in 97% of patients, and the associated presence of a VSD was correctly determined in 79% of the studies. In the cases in which Doppler was available, all 11 patients with associated aortic insufficiency were detected. In this series 32 patients had right SVA, 3 had noncoronary sinus SVA, and 1 had a left SVA. Relative frequency of the rupture site location corresponded closely to that in previous necropsy studies. It is concluded that transthoracic Doppler echocardiography can correctly localize SVAs and most associated lesions.

Pseudoaneurysm of the aortic root diagnosed by noninvasive imaging: report of a case

Pseudoaneurysm of the aortic root is a rare condition typically diagnosed by the use of cardiac catheterization and aortography or by surgical exploration. This case describes a patient who was shown to have a pseudoaneurysm of the aortic root without evidence of any acquired etiologic factors other than atherosclerotic vascular disease. Two new advanced techniques of noninvasive imaging were used in confirming the diagnosis: transesophageal echocardiography and gated magnetic resonance imaging. This case highlights the value of techniques such as these to reliably assess the heart and great vessels without the need for more invasive procedures.

Noninvasive methods in the diagnosis of ruptured aneurysm of Valsalva. Usefulness of magnetic resonance imaging and Doppler echocardiography

A ruptured aneurysm of noncoronary sinus of Valsalva was diagnosed noninvasively by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as well as by Doppler echocardiography. Diagnosis of this disease by MRI has not been reported previously.

Sinus of Valsalva aneurysms

Sinus of Valsalva aneurysms are rare cardiac anomalies which may be acquired or congenital. The congenital aneurysm is more common than the acquired form, with an incidence ranging from 0.1 to 3.5% of all congenital heart defects. Acquired aneurysms may result from trauma, endocarditis, syphilis, Marfan's syndrome, and senile-type dilatation in which the three sinuses dilate as a result of the normal aging process. This review focuses on both congenital and acquired aneurysms with particular attention to the noninvasive diagnosis of this anomaly.

Diagnosis of ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysms: potential value of transesophageal echocardiography

Two patient cases are reported in which an aneurysm of the right coronary sinus of Valsalva ruptured into the right ventricular outflow tract, near the crux of the heart. Transthoracic two-dimensional echocardiography and transesophageal echocardiography using Doppler color flow mapping allowed accurate preoperative assessment of the left-to-right shunt, which was subsequently confirmed by contrast aortography and surgery.

Noninvasive diagnosis of coronary artery fistula by Doppler color flow mapping

Sixteen patients with coronary artery fistula proved by coronary angiography or surgery were studied using two-dimensional echocardiography and Doppler color flow mapping. The coronary artery fistula drained into the right atrium in 4 patients, the right ventricle in 2 and the pulmonary artery in 10. The dilated coronary artery was visualized in 7 of the 16 patients with a fistula, as compared with none of the 40 control subjects. These 7 patients included 5 of 6 patients with a fistula draining into the right atrium or right ventricle and only 2 of 10 patients with a fistula draining into the pulmonary artery. Abnormal flow signals in the dilated coronary artery were visualized with Doppler color flow mapping in five of these seven patients. Color flow imaging visualized abnormal flow signals with mosaic appearance in the pulmonary artery in eight patients, the right atrium in four and the right ventricle in two. The chamber in which abnormal signals were detected corresponded with the entry site of the fistula by angiography. Intraoperative imaging during surgical repair was needed in two cases to confirm ligation of all arteries feeding into the fistula network. In conclusion, Doppler color flow imaging is diagnostically useful to visualize shunt flows originating from the opening or exit of a coronary artery fistula. Furthermore, intraoperative use of this technique may provide confirmation of successful surgical ligation of the fistula.