Rupture of a sinus of Valsalva aneurysm as an unusual cause of chest pain – case report

Czech version

Authors: M. Mikolášková ¹; O. Ludka ^1,2; M. Holická ¹; J. Foukal ³; M. Šebo ⁴; J. Ničovský ⁴; J. Špinar ^1,2
Authors‘ workplace: Interní kardiologická klinika LF MU a FN Brno ¹; Mezinárodní centrum klinického výzkumu, FN u sv. Anny v Brně ²; Radiodiagnostická klinika LF MU a FN Brno ³; Centrum kardiovaskulární a transplantační chirurgie, Brno ⁴
Published in: Kardiol Rev Int Med 2014, 16(5): 391-394
Category: Cardiology Review

Overview

Rupture of a sinus of Valsalva aneurysm is a rare and serious heart disease which can endanger the patient’s life. Early diagnosis and proper therapeutic treatment can significantly affect the patient’s prognosis. We describe the case of a 44‑year– old man admitted to the Cardiology Department of the University Hospital Brno with typical chest pain and non‑specific changes on electrocardiogram and positive troponin T. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a non‑coronary sinus aneurysm and communication between the aorta and the right atrium, which was confirmed by computed tomography. The patient was referred to the cardiothoracic surgery centre and the aneurysm was resected. The communication between the aorta and the right atrium was closed via pericardial patch. The aneurysm formation can be caused by the metabolic effects of corticosteroids which the patient had been using for a long time. This case report suggests that careful clinical examination and noninvasive methods remain an essential diagnostic procedure.

Keywords:
aneurysm of sinus of Valsalva – congenital heart disease – rupture – shunt

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