Rare Case of a Large Aneurysm of Valsalva’s Sinus Rupturing into the Right Ventricle

Introduction

In the entire cardiac pathology, aneurysm of Valsalva’s sinus is a rare but serious condition. The cause of the abnormal enlargement of the sinus lies in the weakness of the junction between heart and aorta, either congenital or acquired (trauma, infection, degeneration). Ruptured aneurysm of Valsalva’s sinus has potentially adverse consequences. Fistulation is possible into any cardiac chamber or pericardium, dependent on which aortic sinus is involved, most commonly the right or non-coronary sinus. The diagnosis is usually established by sonography (Feldman DN, Roman MJ. Cardiology 2006; 106: 73 – 81; Dev V et al. Am Heart J 1993; 126: 930 – 936).

We present imaging findings of an aneurysm of Valsalva’s sinus rupturing into the right ventricle. Sonographic findings are discussed in relation to other diagnostic procedures. To our knowledge, ruptured aneurysm of Valsalva’s sinus of this size has not yet been described.