Aortopulmonary artery fistula in atherosclerotic pseudoaneurysm presenting with congestive heart failure after aortic valve replacement.

Abstract

An exceptional case of a giant pseudoaneurysm of the atherosclerotic ascending aorta complicated by aortopulmonary fistulization twelve years after aortic valve replacement is presented. The patient underwent successful surgical repair. In patients with a marked atherosclerotic thoracic aorta presenting with congestive heart failure and an acquired continuous systolo-diastolic murmur, aortopulmonary fistula should be considered and differentiated from ruptured sinus of valsalva aneurysm. Multi-slice computed tomography was the most useful diagnostic tool in planning surgical strategy and approach. Surgery is the treatment of choice for this serious albeit rare entity.

• Authors: A Bol, L Missault, K M Dossche, J Delanote
• Journal: Acta chirurgica Belgica (Acta Chir Belg) Vol. 106 Issue 2 Pg. 240-2 ( 2006) ISSN: 0001-5458 [Print] England
• PMID: 16761489 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Aneurysm, False (diagnosis, etiology, surgery)
• Aorta
• Aortic Valve
• Arterio-Arterial Fistula (complications, diagnosis, surgery)
• Atherosclerosis (complications)
• Female
• Heart Failure (complications)
• Heart Valve Prosthesis
• Humans
• Pulmonary Artery
• Tomography, Spiral Computed