Rapid hemodynamic deterioration because of acute rupture of an aneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva: the importance of echocardiography in early diagnosis.

We report a patient with an acute rupture of an aneurysm of the right sinus of Valsalva of a bicuspid aortic valve into the right atrium. This congenital disorder is a result of a weak point in the aortic wall resulting from a localized interruption of the media. Because of rapid hemodynamic deterioration, early diagnosis is mandatory and often lifesaving. Echocardiography is the most reliable method to confirm the diagnosis.