Publication Date
1-1-2020
Journal
Methodist DeBakey Cardiovascular J
DOI
10.14797/mdcj-16-3-e8
PMID
33133369
PMCID
PMC7587321
PubMedCentral® Posted Date
7-1-2020
PubMedCentral® Full Text Version
Post-print
Published Open-Access
yes
Keywords
Aged, Aortic Aneurysm, Humans, Male, Sinus of Valsalva, Thrombosis, Treatment Outcome, sinus of Valsalva aneurysm, SOVA, cardiac anomaly
Abstract
Sinus of Valsalva aneurysm (SOVA) is an unusual cardiac anomaly that is potentially fatal with rupture. It is often asymptomatic but has various presentations. We describe a case of a 67-year-old male who presented with atypical chest pain. Transthoracic echocardiogram and cardiac computed tomography scan confirmed a large SOVA complicated by thrombus formation and compression of the left atrium and left ventricular outflow tract. The patient successfully underwent a Bentall procedure-surgical aortic aneurysm repair with mechanical aortic valve conduit. We discuss several clinical decision-making branch points to highlight the complexity of managing this condition. Even in asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic patients with SOVA, surgery may be indicated if the aneurysm meets the criteria for size or has thrombus formation or compressive effects.