Work

A rare cause of heart failure in a young female: rupture of a sinus of Valsalva aneurysm into the right atrium

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The aortic sinuses of Valsalva are small pouches typically located above the aortic valve and play a crucial role in allowing the aortic valve leaflets to move freely and in supporting the valve itself. Enlargement and dilatation of one or more of these sinuses may result in aneurysm formation that can be complicated with either compression-like effects or spontaneous rupture. A sinus of Valsalva aneurysm (SVA) is a rare cardiac anomaly. We present a case of acute heart failure in a young female caused by spontaneous rupture of an SVA that was diagnosed by echocardiography and required surgical treatment. LEARNING POINTS: Sinus of Valsalva aneurysm is a rare cardiac anomaly that can be either congenital or acquired and usually remains silent until rupture, which is considered a life-threatening condition with a high mortality rate.Echocardiography is a diagnostic tool that plays a crucial role in arousing suspicion for and confirming the anatomical connection between the ruptured sinus and the cardiac chamber. Timely diagnosis is critical, and management depends on the aneurysm's size, location, and whether rupture has occurred.Asymptomatic cases may be monitored, while symptomatic or ruptured aneurysms generally require surgical repair or transcatheter intervention to prevent catastrophic outcomes.

Source: European Journal of Case Reports in Internal Medicine

DOI: 10.12890/2025_005582

Authors: Leila Bigdelu, Ossama Maadarani, Ali Azari, Zouheir Bitar

Institutions: Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Ahmadi Hospital-Kuwait Oil Company, Kuwait Oil Company (Kuwait)

Language: English

Topic: Aortic Disease and Treatment Approaches

Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $323