Cardioaortic Fistula

Abstract

A case of cardioaortic fistula, due to rupture of an aneurysm of a sinus of Valsalva into the right ventricle, is described. This case was diagnosed in life and treated surgically one year later when the patient was admitted to hospital with bacterial endocarditis. The clinical features are discussed and the role of special methods of investigation in the diagnosis of the condition is defined. The importance of cardiac catheterization is stressed. The operative technique is described briefly. Following the patient's death from the uncontrolled infection an autopsy examination was carried out and the findings in the heart and small pulmonary vessels are given.