Two Cases of Asymptomatic Ruptured Aneurysm of the Sinus of Valsalva Confirmed by Transesophageal Echocardiography

ABSTRACT

Ruptured aneurysm of sinus of Valsalva is an uncommon congenital lesion, which was first reported in 1840 by Thurman. Its incidence is representing up to 3.5% of patients undergoing congenital heart disease surgery. Predominant symptoms are dyspnea, palpitation, and chest pain, present above the half. An early diagnosis is helpful because of the favorable surgical prognosis. Echocardiography remains useful in detecting abnormalities, and provides important information prior to cardiac catheterization and surgery. Cardiac catheterization and angiography are necessary for diagnosis of receiving chamber and associated lesions such as ventricular septal defect, aortic regurgitation, and other congenital abnormalities. The effective treatment is surgery. Without operation, cause of death are heart failure or bacterial endocarditis. We report two cases of asymptomatic ruptured aneurysm of sinus of Valsalva, confirmed by transesophageal echocardiography, and cardiac catheterization. The corrective surgery was performed without complication.