Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysm: Different Modes of Presentation and Techniques of Repair

Abstract

A sinus of valsalva aneurysm (SVA) is an asymmetrical dilatation of the aortic root located between the aortic valve anulus and the sino-tubular junction. Congenital weakness of the elastic lamina in the aortic media layer or trauma and infection as acquired events are the most principal causes of SVA. Presentation may be acute when rupture has occurred or SVA may be discovered fortuitously on echocardiography or CT scan when patients are examined because of unspecific chest pains, dyspnea or arrhythmias. Although endovascular treatment has been performed successfully in individual cases, surgical closure of the aneurysm aiming at preservation of the aortic valve whenever possible is the established procedure. This short report emphasizes the fact that individual treatment is required when SVA need to be operated, depending on the presentation, the location and the size of the finding. Surgery may consist of simple patch closure, bilateral tunnel closure (entry and exit) or more radical operation like Bentall in case the whole aortic root should be addressed. Overall results are excellent, independently of the clinical presentation (acute or elective) with a mortality approaching zero.